HC Deb 04 October 1909 vol 11 c1649
Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Lord Advocate if he will state, with reference to the prosecution of Anton Fredericksen under Section 3, Sub-section (6), of the Whale Fisheries (Scotland) Act, ordered by the Crown counsel to be tried in the Zetland Sheriff Court on 30th August, and which was adjourned to 27th September at the request of the respondent, on what grounds the Crown counsel intervened during the period of adjournment by instructing the procurator fiscal to drop the prosecution; and what additional evidence came to the knowledge of the Crown counsel and from what source?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

During the period of adjournment information which reached the Crown authorities that a mistake had been made as to the identity of the vessel was, on inquiry, confirmed, and accordingly instructions were given to drop the prosecution. It is contrary to the practice of my Department and would be against public policy to disclose the source of the information communicated to the Crown authorities.

Mr. REMNANT

Does that also apply to the statements made in this House?

Mr. URE

Yes.