§ MR. RAMSAYsaid, the hon. Member for Forfarshire (Mr. J. W. Barclay) was unavoidably absent, and had requested him, in his absence, to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been directed to the murder attended with robbery of George Paul Chalmers, R.S.A., in the streets of Edinburgh, on the night of 15th February last; and, whether, considering the peculiar circumstances of the case and the numerous complaints in regard to the inaction of the police, he will direct special investigations with a view to the discovery of the crime, and into the condition of the Edinburgh police?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSThe Lord Advocate is now in Edinburgh, and the subject is at this present moment under legal investigation. I do not think, therefore, that it would be right for me to make any statement about it. I observe the Question assumes that there was murder and robbery. That is the question about which inquiry is taking place, and I do not think it ought to be assumed until it is proved. With regard to the general conduct of the Edinburgh Police, no report has been made to me of the number of complaints, nor have I any reason to believe that the force is inefficient. I have consulted the Inspector on the matter, and asked for information on the subject.