§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he could state who was responsible for allowing Dr. Crippen to get out 1241 of the hands of the police when it was known by the Chief of the Police at Scotland Yard that Dr. Crippen had made several false statements about the murdered woman which cast suspicion upon the woman's husband that he was responsible for the crime; whether he was aware that the Chief of the Police on 30th June began his investigation on the strength of information given by Mrs. Crippen's friends; if he was aware that during the investigation the police kept no close watch upon Dr. Crippen, and it was in consequence of the pressing inquiries that caused Dr. Crippen to vanish; and that it was not until 13th July that a search of his house was made, which gave Dr. Crippen three days to get away before the police acted, which went to show that the Chief of the Police had Dr. Crippen under his observation for nine days and then allowed him to get away; and if he intended taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIf the hon. Member will repeat his question later the Secretary of State will endeavour to answer it. It is very undesirable to discuss at the present time details of the important inquiry on which the police are intently engaged.
§ Mr. W. THORNECan the hon. Gentleman suggest a date when I should put the question again?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think the hon. Member had better watch the course of public events.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes that mean that I am to wait until the whole business is settled before I put the question again, or until Dr. Crippen is captured?