§ MR. JACOB BRIGHT (Manchester, S. W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If he will inform the House whether it is the general practice in Manchester and Liverpool to declare women to be common prostitutes, and to fine and imprison them, on the unsupported testimony of the police; and, whether, if such is the practice, it is in accordance with law?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am informed that it is the general practice to convict women charged with offences at Manchester under the Local Act of 1844, and at Liverpool under the Towns Police Clauses Act, on the unsupported testimony of the police. If any doubt is raised whether the woman charged is a common prostitute, it is usual at Manchester to remand the case for further inquiries. I am advised that such practice is in accordance with the law.