§ Colonel Burtonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Edward Preston, of Gerrard Gardens, Liverpool, sentenced for refusing to perform his duties as a fireman on board ship, thereby causing a whole convoy to slow down and be exposed to additional dangers from submarines; and whether he will drastically increase the penalties for such offences?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. My attention has been called to this case. The maximum penalties under the Defence Regulations on conviction in a court of summary jurisdiction are, imprisonment for three months or a fine of £100 or both. The maximum penalties on conviction on indictment are imprisonment for two years or a fine of £500 or both. In general, these penalties are considered adequate. In the case of Preston, it was necessary to prosecute in a court of summary jurisdiction, as procedure by indictment would have delayed the sailing of the ship.