Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been directed to the fact that every person pretending or professing to tell fortunes, or using any subtle craft, means, or device, by palmistry or otherwise, to deceive or impose on any of His Majesty's subjects is liable to prosecution or imprisonment; if he will state on what grounds persons who openly advertise and carry on the trade aforesaid are not interfered with, while poor persons in respect of similar offences are severely punished by imprisonment; and if the Executive will take immediate steps to ensure equal administration of justice?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)As I explained on Tuesday last, the essence of the offence is the intention to impose, and the action of the police is directed to the protection of poor and ignorant persons. In cases where there is definite evidence of imposition on persons not able to protect themselves, the police take action. This is in accordance with the regular and customary administration of the law.
Mr. CATHCART WASONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware of the self-evident fact that vice practised behind curtains with soft music is infinitely worse than when practised in the open?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am afraid I cannot pronounce upon these finer shades.