§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to an outrage perpetrated at Wimbledon last Wednesday; and if he will consider the advisability of offering a further reward for such evidence as will secure the conviction of the offender.
§ *MR. AKERS DOUGLASThe case to which I understand the hon. Member to refer—viz., the frightening and injury of two polo ponies by a motor-car which did not stop when the accident occurred has been reported to the police by the owner of the ponies, who has offered a 1400 reward of £25 for evidence leading to the conviction of the driver or owner of the car. It is contrary to the settled practice of the Home Office to offer rewards for the conviction of offenders, and it is not proposed to make any exception to the rule in this case. If the owner's offer is ineffective it is not likely that a further offer from the police would be successful.