MR. LUPTOX (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. G. Reeves, of Castle Lane Farm, Chilworth, near Romsey, Hampshire, who was summoned under the Vaccination Acts, threatened with a warrant because he did not appear, and, when he did appear, charged 8s. for a warrant which was not issued; and whether he proposes to take steps to prevent such action by magistrates in vaccination cases.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI have made inquiry in this case and find that the defendant was summoned, that he did not obey the summons, and told the officer who served it that he did not intend to appear, that he was then warned that a warrant for his arrest might be issued, and that on his still failing to appear a 697 warrant was accordingly made out and signed. Later in the day, when the Court was over, he appeared, and out of consideration for him the Justices who were present heard the case. He was not ordered to pay the fee chargeable in respect of the warrant. There is no occasion for any action on my part.
§ MR. LUPTONIs it necessary for a defendant to appear in these cases?
§ MR. GLADSTONEwas understood to reply that the Bench had the power to insist on attendance.