§ Sir RANDOLF BAKERasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the trial and sentence of three ex-constables of Bournemouth at the last Winchester assizes; and, if so, whether he can see fit to advise His Majesty to grant a remission of sentence, in view of the fact that these men claim to have acted under direct orders from their superior officers in committing these thefts, and in view of the fact that an inspector and two sergeants have been dismissed from the force in connection with the affair, though they have not yet been prosecuted for it?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy attention has been called to the case, but I regret that I cannot advise any remission of the sentences. The pleas indicated in the question were fully considered before the learned judge; and, even assuming them to be true, the sentences passed appear to be by no means excessive. The statements made by the prisoners implicating other officers had been carefully investigated, but no evidence which would justify further prosecutions could be obtained. I understand, however, that inquiry is still being made.