HC Deb 20 March 1883 vol 277 cc939-40
MR. O'SHEA

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether the police have come to any definite conclusion as to the alleged murderous attack on a lady near Windsor, on Saturday the 17th instant; and, whether, considering the gravity of the comments on the subject by the Press, Her Majesty's Government intend to institute a public inquiry into the circumstances of the case?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

, in reply, said, the matter was at present under careful and constant inquiry; but he was not in a position to make any statement on the subject. The matter was too recent, and being under the regular course of investigation by the police authorities, there was no reason whatever for interfering with that investigation.

MR. LABOUCHERE

I would ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he does not think it would be desirable to offer a reward—[Laughter]—to any person who comes forward with evidence to show who is the guilty party in this transaction? [Renewed laughter.]

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

I think I may ask the House to trust the Department to take such measures as they may think requisite in the case.