§ MR. ATHERLEY-JONES (Durham, N.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether Mr. Wontner, a solicitor of the Supreme Court, has recently acted in numerous cases as advocate at the police courts for constables of the Metropolitan Police who have been summoned for assaults; 715 at whose instance he has so acted; whether his remuneration, or any part thereof, has been provided at the public expense; and, if se, under what statute or authority; whether similar assistance is, or has been, afforded to postmen or other public officials charged with crime; and, whether any pecuniary aid is afforded to the complainants in such cases?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)In some cases, on the recommendation of the Commissioner of Police, I have directed that Messrs. Wontner should be instructed to give legal aid to police-constables. Such aid is only given when there is primâ facie reason to suppose that the constable is in the right, and the case is one requiring legal assistance. If the case is doubtful the constable is left to defend himself. Payment of such expenses is made from the Metropolitan Police Fund under 10 Geo. IV. c. 44, s. 12. I am not aware what assistance is given to officials in other Public Departments who are charged with offences while acting in the execution of their duty. No pecuniary assistance is given to complainants in such cases.
§ MR. ATHERLEY-JONESasked, on whose recommendation Mr. Wontner was employed?
§ MR. MATTHEWSsaid, the recommendation, in the first instance, came from the Commissioner of Police, and the responsibility for the decision upon it rested with the Home Office.