§ MR. AGG-GARDNER (Cheltenham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that one Albert Hawkins, a licensed victualler, was acquitted by the Hurstgreen (Sussex) Magistrates, on 1st January, 1890, on a charge of selling beer during prohibited hours, on Sunday, the 24th of November last; whether he has observed that the evidence against him was given by a police constable called George Austin, who admitted that for the purpose of obtaining evidence he disguised himself as a bricklayer and gave the name of James Churchyard: that whilst in this disguise he endeavoured to induce Hawkins to sell beer to him during prohibited hours, and that on Hawkins' refusal, three times offered to pay for some beer, which Hawkins let him have as a gift; whether he is aware that in another case heard at the same Sessions Austin was proved to have incited other persons to sell or obtain liquor during prohibited hours, and that the Hurst- 26 green Magistrates expressed their disapproval of the action of the police in tempting people to break the law: would he state under whose instructions Austin was acting; and are any steps being taken to prevent a recurrence of such proceedings?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS,) Birmingham, E.I have obtained a Report from the Chief Constable, who informs me that it is the fact that the constable was in disguise; but he had been sent to that district for an altogether different purpose, and not at all with the view of obtaining evidence against any publican for breach of the Licensing Acts. In acting as he did in the cases quoted the constable undoubtedly exceeded his duty. His conduct was disapproved of both by the Magistrates and by the Chief Constable, who has reprimanded him, and will take every precaution in the future to prevent a recurrence of such proceedings.