§ MR. SAMUELSON (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Charles Paul, Crown woodman, of Staunton, Forest of Dean, who was fined 30s. and 10s. costs on Tuesday, 12th April, upon a charge of poaching; and whether, in view of the fact that no evidence was offered by the prosecution that the man Paul was trespassing in pursuit of game, and that he has hitherto borne an excellent character and has never before been charged before a Magistrate, a further inquiry will be instituted into the case?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have received a report from the Magistrates' clerk concerning this case. The evidence showed that Paul—with two other men who were also convicted and fined—was trespassing in pursuit of game. There was no evidence offered that any of the three men had been previously convicted, and no question of character arose. I do not find in the circumstances of the case sufficient ground for interference with the action of the Magistrates.
§ MR. SAMUELSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Magistrate stated one of the persons was a notorious poacher?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI am aware of that, but there was no evidence given to warrant that statement; so I 10 suppose the Magistrate spoke from the fulness of his private knowledge.