HC Deb 22 June 1910 vol 18 c363
Mr. MacVEAGH

asked whether it is intended to remit the fine imposed on a gentleman at Ivybridge Sessions on 2nd May on a charge of using an expletive on the highway?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir. I do not wish to go into details, but, upon consideration of the facts of the case, I think the language employed was adequate to the penalty imposed.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give the House in camera the exact phraseology?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I shall be very glad to place the hon. Gentleman in possession of the source of information on which I have relied.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that when a man is knocked down by a motor he might be excused for using strong language?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, I do indeed. I am not expressing any opinion as to the propriety of the persons bringing the action against him, but I have to consider whether I should advise the use of the Royal Prerogative to upset the decision come to by the local bench, and I do not think I am justified in doing so.

Mr. REES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of publishing a list of the expletives which are and which are not admissible?