HC Deb 10 April 1911 vol 24 cc39-40
Mr. SANDERSON

asked whether any and, if so, what instructions or regulations had been issued by the Home Office to the police authorities as to the conditions under which proceedings were to be taken against persons who would come within the meaning of habitual criminals under the Prevention of Crimes Act, 1908?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have now supplied the hon. Member with the information he asks for.

Mr. SANDERSON

Is it not a fact that the circular letter of which the Home Secretary has kindly given me a copy, provides that certain conditions shall be present in every case of a prosecution against a person for being a habitual criminal, and that the Act does not prescribe those conditions; consequently does not the circular very materially confine the operation of the Act?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Anything I have done is fully justified by the powers which the House has conferred under Statutes.

Mr. RAWLINSON

May the rest of the House have this circular, for which we asked some time ago?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I certainly do not remember any request being made that it should be laid on the Table. I shall be delighted to take that course if it is the general wish.