Mr. POINTERasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of an old man of about seventy years of age, who was charged at Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, with wandering abroad to beg alms; whether he is aware that the man pleaded that he was out in search of work and had walked from Gainsborough, twenty miles away; and whether, in view of the fact that no previous convictions are known against the prisoner, he will consider the possibility of reducing the sentence of seven days imposed?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy attention has not previously been called to this case, but I have made inquiry by telegraph and find no sufficient ground for advising interference with the sentence, which is for one week only and expires to-morrow.