§ Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the sentences recently passed on some youths at the Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court; whether he is aware that for the offence of stealing trees four of the youths, who were under sixteen years of age, were sentenced to receive a birching, and the other two, who were just over sixteen years of age, were sentenced to seven days' imprisonment; and whether, if it is not too late, he will remit the sentences of birching and release the two imprisoned lads?
Mr. McKINNON WOODMy attention was drawn to the imprisonment sentences on 13th May. After communicating with the learned Sheriff, I felt justified in advising their remission, and the youths were discharged on 14th May. The other sentences had already been carried out.