asked the Home Secretary whether he has given consideration to the case of Ernest Hill, a boilermaker, who was sentenced to a term of three months' imprisonment by the Sheffield magistrates for an offence alleged to have been committed by him on the occasion of a demonstration by pickets in connection with the recent engineering dispute; whether he has caused inquiry to be made into the circumstances of Hill's trial and conviction, particulars of which were forwarded to him on 31st May; and whether he can now see his way to recommend some remission of the sentence?

Inquiry has been made concerning this case. There appears to be no ground for questioning the decision of the magistrates. The defendant did not appeal and he has not petitioned. My right hon. Friend feels that he would not be justified in recommending interference with the sentence passed by the Court.