HC Deb 15 July 1889 vol 338 cc403-4
MR. HOWARD VINCENT

I beg to ask the Attorney General if the Director of Public Prosecutions is justified under the present law in taking action in a case arising under "The Merchandise Marks Act, 1887," if the circumstances indicate that the ends of justice are likely to be defeated, or if there is necessity for fresh legislation upon the subject?

* THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER,) Isle of Wight

The duties of the Director of Public Prosecutions are controlled by rules which came into force on the 25th day of January, 1886. Under these rules the Director can take proceedings in any case in which a prosecution is, in his opinion, required in the public interest, or the action of the Public Prosecutor is necessary to-secure the due prosecution of the offender; moreover, under these rules the Secretary of State, or the Attorney General, can instruct the Director of Public Prosecutions to take up any particular case. There is not, in my opinion, any necessity for fresh legislation.