§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received from Mr. J. Avery, station master, Sprouston, near Kelso, testimonials from ministers and other responsible people of Kelso showing him to be a man of good character; whether he is aware, that at the trial of Mr. Avery's wife for murdering her children, statements were made by the prosecuting counsel seriously reflecting upon Mr. Avery's character; and whether means can be taken to prevent such unfounded allegations being made by public prosecutors.
§ (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) I have received a communication from Mr. Avery enclosing testimonials as to character, and have also seen a report of the trial referred to by my hon. friend; but the matter is not one in which I can take any action.