§ Mr. MARKHAMasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he was aware that Mr. Francis Lascelles was recently fined £1 and costs at the Ivybridge Sessions for making use of the word "damn"; and whether, seeing this expression was used by Mr. Lascelles after he had been run over by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, with the result that his right ear was nearly torn off, his collarbone broken, and his legs badly bruised, he would under the circumstances have the fine remitted and state the names of the person or persons who asked the police to institute these proceedings?
§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLESBefore the right hon. Gentleman replies may I ask whether the Home Office proposes to prosecute Lord Milner for an entirely unprovoked use of the same word in regard to consequences?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI made inquiry in the case some time ago, and found that the newspaper reports give a somewhat 194 euphemistic account of the language used by the defendant. In view of the facts given in evidence I see no reason for advising any reduction of the penalty imposed.
§ Mr. MARKHAMWas the fine imposed for using the word in the question, and nothing more?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe word which figured in the published reports was not the word employed.