§ MR. WEDGWOODI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Leslie Rubin, a boy of twelve, who was arrested at Walthamstow on or about 7th July by a constable for working a lame mare, with which he had been sent out by a contractor; whether he is aware that the boy was taken to the police station and there charged, although the constable could have proceeded by summons; and whether he will issue instructions to the Metropolitan Police not to apprehend youthful offenders for non-indictable offences if their names and addresses can be ascertained, except their apprehension is absolutely necessary.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI have made inquiry and find that this was a bad case of cruelty. It was essential that the boy and horse should be detained in order that the horse might be examined by a veterinary surgeon, who directed that it should be produced before the justices. It is obvious that if proceedings in such cases were taken by summons the condition of the animal would materially change during the lapse of some days before the hearing, and the justices would be unable to form so sound a judgment' respecting the charge. The boy was detained no longer than was necessary, and was not placed in dock or cell.