§ MR. REES-DAVIES (Pembrokeshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, in a case recently tried before Judge Bishop in the County Court of Newcastle Emlyn, Cardiganshire, an important point of law was raised and adjudicated upon as to the right of a bailiff to effect an entrance into premises by climbing over fences in levying distraints for tithe, and that a fine of £5 was imposed upon the defendant, who has entered an appeal against the Judgment of the County Court Judge; whether he is aware that the Treasury has now taken up the case on appeal for the bailiff of the County Court, notwithstanding that a solicitor had been engaged and counsel instructed on the bailift's behalf; whether he will state under whose authority these proceedings were taken; and whether he will take steps to prevent such action on the part of the Treasury in interfering with civil proceedings?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fife, E.I had no knowledge of these proceedings until my attention was called to them by my hon. Friend's question. I am in communication with the Attorney General on the subject, and in the course of a few days I shall be able to make a further statement.