HC Deb 13 December 1906 vol 167 cc668-9
MR. FIENNES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state what facilities are afforded by the police to a man arrested in a public street for any offence to obtain witnesses from the bystanders who have been present during the time of the alleged offence.

*MR. GLADSTONE

It is open to any bystander to proceed to the police station or police court in order to tender his testimony, and no obstacle would be placed in the way of the prisoner asking any bystander to do so. A person under detention at a police station is afforded all possible facilities for communicating with his friends or his solicitor.

MR. LUPTON

Are we to understand that a man arrested will be allowed to ask bystanders for their names and addresses?

*MR. GLADSTONE

I was asked a general Question and I have given the best answer I can.

MR. LUPTON

But a definite instruction from the Home Secretary might be useful.