HC Deb 29 July 1910 vol 19 c2524
Viscount CASTLEREAGH

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it was the intention of His Majesty's Government to establish a system of offering rewards for the detection of criminals?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)

I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply which the Under-Secretary of State gave to the hon. Member for Bath on Wednesday last.

Viscount CASTLEREAGH

Arising out of this answer by reference in which the right hon. Gentleman said there was a distinction between the cases where the criminal was known and was not known, may I ask in What respects the evils attendant on offering rewards for the detection of criminals are mitigated when the criminal is known?

Mr. CHURCHILL

was understood to reply: There is a distinct difference between the two cases. In the one the offer of a reward may lead to the manufacture of false evidence, but where no question of that kind can arise then a reward may be usefully offered.

Viscount CASTLEREAGH

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable delay always occurs in the detection of criminals when a reward is offered?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am not aware there has been any unusual delay.

Viscount CASTLEREAGH

Out of which Vote are the rewards taken?

Mr. CHURCHILL'S

reply was inaudible.