§ MR.SUMMERS (Huddersfield)I beg to ask the Attorney General whether he is now in a position to state what action, if any, it is the intention of the Public Prosecutor to take with regard to the case of "Evelyn v. Hurlbert"?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER,) Isle of WightThe hon. Member must, I think, be aware that it would be both unusual and improper for me to make any statement as to the intention of the Public Prosecutor in such a matter. The evidence is now under the consideration of the Public Prosecutor, and it might be contrary to the interests of public justice were I to state by anticipation any proposed action of the Public Prosecutor. As a matter of fact, I understand that further proceedings are being taken in the civil action.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)May I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman whether it is on his initiative the Public Prosecutor has moved?
§ SIR R. WEBSTERIt is not on my initiative. The only action I could take would be on representations made to me. In this case the usual course has been taken and the evidence sent to the Public Prosecutor for his consideration.
§ MR. PICTON (Leicester)By the Attorney General?
§ SIR R. WEBSTERNot by the Attorney General in any' sense. The matter has been frequently explained in this House. There are statutory regulations sanctioned by the previous Lord Chancellor and previous Law Officers under which the Public Prosecutor acts.