HC Deb 31 March 1890 vol 343 cc299-300
MR. BRADLAUGH

I beg to ask the Solicitor General whether he is aware that at Lynn County Court, on March 19th, Robert Green claimed to affirm Under "The Oaths Act, 1888;" whether the County Court Judge is correctly reported as having asked: "Are you a Quaker?" and on being answered in the negative, refused to allow Green to explain how he was entitled to affirm under "The Oaths Act, 1888," saying, "You must go to argue that somewhere else;" and whether any steps can be taken to bring "The Oaths Act, 1888," to the official knowledge of the Judge?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL (Sir E. CLARKE,) Plymouth

In reply to the hon. Member, the Attorney General is informed that the statement in the question does not fully represent what passed. The learned Judge states that he understood the defendant was claiming a right to make a speech and not asking to be allowed to affirm, and on his telling him he must be sworn, or if he had conscientious objections to taking the oath he might affirm, the defendant at once consented to be sworn and gave evidence. The learned Judge seems to be acquainted with the provisions of "The Oaths Act, 1888."