§ MR. TENNANTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the fact that the return of the penalty obtained under the Truck Acts, in the case of Deane v. Boyle, was made after consultation with the Home Department, there is any intention to return the penalties recently imposed in certain cases of a similar character taken in Cornwall, or whether that course has already been taken; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation bearing on these points.
§ *MR. RITCHIEThe Home Office was not consulted as to the return of fines in the case of Deane v. Boyle after the decision in the case of Squire v. Sweeney. I have received no application for the return of the fine in any similar case in England; but, as I am advised that the decision of the Irish court should not be taken as binding in England, and have instructed the inspectors accordingly, I am not prepared to return the fines in a similar case in England and Wales. I have no intention at present of proposing legislation.
§ MR. TENNANTWill the right hon. Gentleman give instructions as to similar cases in Ireland?
§ *MR. RITCHIEIt is not for me to do that.