§ 54. Mr. TOUCHEasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the special inquiry instituted in the case of engine-driver Nicholas Knox on the ground that he suffered loss of employment as the result of a conviction which the Home Secretary is now satisfied was a wrongful con viction, he will say on what grounds ex- Inspector Syme, who has also suffered loss of employment through a judgment of the Chief Commissioner which is alleged to have been arbitrary and not in accordance with the evidence, is denied an inquiry or even the publication of the evidence; and will he now instruct a magistrate, or other judicial person, to make a further investigation of the case, and so put an end to the fear that there may have been a miscarriage of justice?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir, there is no occasion for such investigation. As I have already stated, no similarity exists between the cases referred to.
§ Mr. TOUCHEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the withholding of evidence has created the impression outside that Mr. Syme has been very badly treated? Is it not desirable to remove that impression?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir.
§ Mr. TOUCHEDoes the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this man was tried by a secret tribunal on evidence which has never been revealed, whereas Knox was tried before the magistrates, and the evidence was open to all the world. Does not that make Mr. Syme's claim to an appeal all the stronger?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe hon. Member is simply repeating a former question, and I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to that.