§ LORD HUGH CECIL (Greenwich)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General whether 425 his attention has been called to an advertisement appearing in The Times of the 17th inst., which offers an advowson for exchange in a pretty agricultural village, about £250 with early possession, for more valuable one deferred, or nominee whose friends will increase endowment; and whether the attention of the Public Prosecutor will be called to the advertisement with a view to taking such proceedings as may be lawful, in the event of the publication of an advertisement suggesting such transaction being proved to be illegal.
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER, Isle of Wight)Since the question of my noble friend appeared upon the Paper I have obtained a copy of the advertisement referred to. It is not possible from a mere perusal of the advertisement to say whether an illegal transaction was contemplated. The case is not one in which I should be justified in directing the Public Prosecutor to take any action.
§ LORD HUGH CECILCould you not direct the Criminal Investigation Department to look into the matter?
§ SIR RICHARD WEBSTERwas understood to reply in the negative.