§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what statutory authority Miss Corunna Elektra Hamer was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment; why this 19-yearold girl served a six-day sentence before being released; and if he will now take steps to provide an ex gratia payment to Miss Hamer.
§ Mr. Elystan Morgan:At Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on 28th April Miss Hamer was convicted of two offences of smuggling cannabis and was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment. Because she was under 21 the court had no power to impose a sentence in excess of 6 months, which in accordance with section 39(3) of the Criminal Justice Act, 1967 ought to have been suspended. The mistake was reported to the Home Office as soon as the court became aware of it and Miss Hamer was released on 1st May.
My right hon. Friend can find no grounds for an ex gratia payment from public funds.