§ MR. D. A. THOMAS (Merthyr Tydvil)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now considered the application made on behalf of Charles Williams, of Aberaman (who was convicted of assault by the justices at Aberdare Police Court on 26th August last), for his release and that an opportunity be offered him of having his appeal heard in duo course upon its merits; if he is aware that Charles Williams took his approved surety to the police court at the time suggested by the police inspector, entered into the required recognisances as to bail, and 779 was released; that upon the matter being called on at the Glamorgan Quarter Sessions on 22nd October proof of the notices of appeal and of the trial was given, and the clerk of the peace thereupon raised the objection that the recognisances had been entered into four days too late, and the Court then informed the appellant that they could not hear his appeal and he was sent to prison; that this technical objection was initiated by or emanated from the Aberdare justices or police; and that it was owing to the action of the police themselves that the recognisances were not entered into within the prescribed time.
§ MR. HERBERT SAMUELMy right hon. friend finds on inquiry that the delay in taking the recognisances was due to a technical error. The objection at Quarter Sessions was taken by the Court itself, and was not raised by the Aberdare justices or by the police. As the defendant was deprived of his right of appeal, my right hon. friend has advised that the remainder of his sentence shall be remitted, and he will be discharged to-day.