§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of two men who summoned each other for assault at the West London Police Court, the result being that the man Martin, whom it was admitted first assaulted the other man, named Jones, was dismissed, while Jones was ordered to enter into his own recognisances for twelve months and to pay a fine of 30s.; and 1923 whether, in view of the discrimination made by the magistrate between the two men, he will remit the fine?
§ Mr. McKENNAOn full consideration of all the facts the magistrate who heard the summonses thought both men might be let off without punishment, but as Jones originated the disturbance he ordered him to pay the costs of the hearing, amounting to 30s. On the facts before me, I see no reason to doubt the justice of this decision.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman how it is that when the Liberal party is in office there are always more prosecutions than when the Tories are in power?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would be a remarkable fact if it were the case, but I cannot accept the statement that it is so.