§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Home Secretary concerning the case of a workman who was fined in the Manchester county police court on 14th November, 1910, upon a charge of avoiding payment of a penny tram fare, whether he can state the reasons for taking no action with regard to the incorrect evidence admittedly given by witnesses for the prosecution; and whether as a money fine in such a case on a man never previously charged with any offence greatly affects his character, he will take some step to nullify the charge and restore the money penalty then imposed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt would be impossible for me to discuss by way of question and answer the evidence given in this case. I can only say that, having given my best consideration to it, I find no reason to doubt the justice of the conviction, or to recommend the remission of the penalty imposed.
§ Mr. CLYNESDoes the right hon. Gentleman question the statement in the question that incorrect evidence was admitted?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am afraid it is impossible to discuss the details by means of question and answer, or to explain the reasons which led me to feel there was no ground warranting special intervention.
§ Mr. CLYNESHas the right hon. Gentleman taken into account the further statement in the question that this man was an old man who had never been charged with any offence in any court?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot discuss the details by way of question and answer.
§ Mr. CLYNESBy what other method can I raise the case?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have given my best consideration to the case. If the hon. Member likes to submit further facts I will study them; otherwise the ordinary opportunities are all I can suggest.