§ MR. CUNLNGHAME GRAHAM) (Lanark, N. W.I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he has received any application from the suppliant in "Mitchell v. Regina" for aid to pay the taxed costs of an action for false imprisonment he was virtually compelled to bring against the Sheriff (or Bailiff) of the Salford Court, Manchester, in consequence of not having received money due from the War Office; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR AVAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE,) Lincolnshire, HorncastleYes, Sir; such an application has been received. I am unable to say what steps will be taken in the matter.
§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury what steps, if any, will be taken against Messrs. Hare and Co., the agents to the Treasury, as regards the difference between the original and taxed bill of costs in "Mitchell v. Regina," and whether such difference will have to be borne by the taxpayers; and have Messrs. Hare and Co been called upon for an explanation of the excessive charges in question?
§ *THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER,) Isle of WightMy right hon. Friend has requested me to answer this question. No steps will be taken against Messrs. Hare, as they have not made any excessive charges. The difference between the amount of the Bill, as delivered and as taxed, arose almost entirely in consequence of a decision of the Master upon a new point. I myself directed, solely out of consideration for Colonel Mitchell, that no further steps should be taken to question the decision in this case.