§ Sir HARRY VERNEYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention had been called to a case heard at Marlborough-Street Police Court on 20th February, in which the hon. Member for the Ramsey Division of Hunts (Mr. Oliver Locker-Lampson) was concerned, and whether he could give the House any information in reference to it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy attention has been called to the case, and as it appeared to affect the reputation of a Member of this House I have called for a special report from the Chief Commissioner of Police, and have also made a careful inquiry into it myself. The hon. Member for the Ramsey Division was made the victim of a senseless and cruel practical joke at the hands of an acquaintance who had before been concerned in similar acts. The hon. Member was placed in a position of extreme embarrassment by the reckless behaviour of his companion, and by the charge which Mr. Cole preferred against him of stealing his watch. The hon. Member endeavoured to restrain his companion as much as possible, and to minimise the occurrence, but Mr. Cole's behaviour attracted a considerable crowd, and, in the confusion, both he and the hon. Member were arrested by the police, who were 385 naturally placed in a great difficulty by such an unusual incident. I think it my duty to state that there is nothing in the incident which reflects in any way upon the hon. Member's character, sobriety, or good manners. Mr. Cole has tendered him as full an apology as is possible for his action, which was especially unfair and wanton towards one who holds the public position of a Member of Parliament.