Mr. CATHCART WASONasked if the Prime Minister's attention has been called to the circumstances of the arrest of Miss Jessie Brown, of Glasgow; and whether, as it has since her arrest been established that her arrest was unjustifiable, he will direct that the Treasury investigate the case with the view of ascertaining what reparation can be made to her?
§ Mr. WATTasked whether the Scottish Office has finally refused to grant any compensation to Miss Jessie Brown, wrongfully convicted in a Glasgow police court and declared innocent by the Court of Session in Edinburgh?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)I am asked to answer with this question the question standing in the name of the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland. I am aware of the facts of this case. The conviction obtained against Miss Jessie Brown in the Glasgow police court in December, 1907, was quashed on appeal to the High Court of Justiciary, the ground of the decision being that the magistrate who tried the case did not inform Miss Brown of her right to an adjournment of the proceedings to enable her to prepare 711 her defence. The High Court expressed no opinion on the merits of the case, which were not before them. Miss Brown was awarded the expenses of the legal proceedings before the High Court. The case has since this decision been again carefully and fully investigated by the Glasgow magistrates, who are satisfied that it is not one for compensation; I may add that Miss Brown had an opportunity of pursuing a civil action for damages but failed to do so timeously. In all the circumstances I cannot advise that the Treasury should pay compensation.