HC Deb 29 March 1892 vol 3 c156
MR. PICKERSGILL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Jeremiah Cronin, who was charged at the Thames Police Court on Tuesday last under the Prevention of Crimes Act, with failing to report himself, when the learned Magistrate (Mr. Mead) remanded the prisoner for summonses stating the specific charge to be served on him, and is reported to have said— At present there is no evidence of any direct charge. I have already pointed out the loose way in which these cases are prepared by the Authorities; who is responsible for the proceeding against Cronin; whether the preferring of such charges under the Prevention of Crimes Act has to be specially authorised by any official; and whether he will take steps to secure that the said Act shall be enforced only in a careful manner?

MR. MATTHEWS

I hear from the learned Magistrate that this case will be before him to-day, and, under the circumstances, it is not expedient that I should reply to the hon. Member's question.