§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he gave orders to the Chief Commissioner of Police to have the premises searched on 17th September, 1909, of Mr. J. Tochatti, merchant tailor, living at 13, Beadon-road, Hammersmith; if he was aware that the warrant officer ordered the person in question to turn his trouser's pockets inside out; if he would state the reasons why the search warrant was given; and if he intended taking any action in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Masterman)The search was instituted in pursuance of a warrant granted by one of the Judges of the High Court, and Mr. Tochatti was requested to facilitate it by producing his keys. The object of the search was to seize copies of the "Indian Sociologist," the publisher of which was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court. It is not proposed to take further action in the matter.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask whether, seeing that search has been made, anything was found against him; whether there were any papers, or printing machinery on the premises?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not know whether search was made for printing machinery, and I have no knowledge as to whether any was found.
§ Mr. O'GRADYIs there any knowledge by the police that the man in question ever saw the paper?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe warrant was obtained by the Director of Public Prosecutions from a Judge of the High Court under Section 1 of the Criminal Libel Act, 1820.
§ Mr. O'GRADYWas there any reason for the issue of the warrant, as the search evidently failed in its effect, seeing that nothing was found on the man's premises?
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEHas any apology been offered to this man?
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in consequence of this search being made great injury has been done to the man's business—that nobody will now have anything to do with him?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have replied to the question put to me on the legal origin of the warrant.