‘Times’ adds weight to calls for release of Stonehouse

Press, 20 November 1978, Page 8

‘Times’ adds weight to calls for release of Stonehouse

[NZPA-Reuter London “The Times” has said [there are strong factors in favour of paroling John Stonehouse, aged 53, the former member of Parliament now serving a seven-year sentence. Stonehouse is recovering in a London hospital from open-heart surgery. In a leading article “The Times” said it was “undesirable to keep a sick and discredited man in prison beyond the time necessary to” give expression to the public’s condemnation of his behaviour.” The newspaper also reported that the Home Secretary (Mr Merlyn Rees) was under strong pressure from members of Parliament to order Stonehouse’s release. The former Labour Minister was arrested in Mel-

boume at Christmas, 1974, and has served nearly two years and a half of his sentence. He was refused parole two months ago, and his supporters claim that his return to Wormwood Scrubs prison could kill him. “The Times” said Stonehouse’s crimes of theft, fraud, and deception were serious, and it was necessary to guard against any lenient treatment because of his former political career. The parole board would also have to take into account that although Stonehouse was a bankrupt his “deceptions were large and intricate,” the editorial said. When he disappeared his companies owed $370,960. and he owned banks and credit companies more than $681,200, “The Times” said. “If there were any reason to suppose that he might be released to enjoy the spoils

of his crimes, that would be reason in itself to deny him parole,” the newspaper said. But if the doubts that remained about the missing money could be set to rest, “it would be right to spare (John Stonehouse further imprisonment.” In the House of Commons Labour members were lobbying for Stonehouse’s release, the newspaper reported. i One member of ParliaIment, Mr Andrew Faulds, [told “The Times”: “Incarceration is having a [profound and traumatic effect on him. In view of the [operation he has had, the question of parole should be looked at sympathetically.” Another member of Parliament, Mr Bruce DouglasMann, said after visiting the former M.P. in hospital: “Stonehouse’s expectation of life is less than normal. None of the M.Ps I have

spoken to feels it is desir able that someone should bi punished to the extent tha he dies in prison. This feel ing applies to some Con servatives I have spoke! to.”