§ SIR THOMAS DEWARTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether representations have been made to him to the effect that Adolf Beck, who, in 1896, was sentenced to seven years penal servitude for various frauds, has been the victim of mistaken identity; and, if so, will he state what action he proposes to take in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) The facts of this remarkable case of mistaken identity were brought to my notice by the Metropolitan Police; and, by my instructions, steps were at once taken for the provisional release of Adolf Beck, who was awaiting sentence in another case in which the same mistake as to his identity appears to have occurred. I am now carefully considering all the circumstances of the case, but I am precluded from indicating beforehand how I propose to advise His Majesty the King in the matter.