§ MR. C. J. DARLING (Deptford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Home Department whether his attention has been called to the complaints made by the prosecuting solicitor in the course of the hearing of a charge of stealing a horse and van with its contents, made against Robert Crundall last week before Mr. Dickinson, sitting at the Thames Police Court, such complaints being to the effect that the police had not rendered the assistance they should give in the matter; whether the learned magistrate stated that he had previously expressed a strong opinion on the action of the police in such cases; and, whether, in consequence, further instructions will be given to the police by the proper authority?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYComplaints were made, I understand, by the prosecuting solicitor. I am not aware of any statement or expression of opinion in regard to the action of the police on the part, of the magistrate. I cannot see, from my knowledge of the facts of the case, which I shall be happy to communicate to the hon. Member, that there was any default on the part of the police, or that further instructions are called for.