51. Mr. POINTERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any representations with regard to the case of Mr. H. C. Bedding, who was awarded the sum of £50 for capturing the mad Armenian who shot several people in Tottenham Court Road in September last; whether he is aware that Bedding has had to undergo several operations as a result of the injuries he received; that he has not yet recovered and has suffered considerable financial loss; and whether, in view of Mr. Justice Phillimore's statement that the country owed Bedding a debt of gratitude, he will consider the possibility of awarding him a sum that will be fair and adequate compensation for what he has undergone?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Commissioner of Police reports that he is not aware that Bedding has undergone any operation as a result of injuries received by him on the occasion referred to; or that he has sustained any financial loss whatever in this connection. The reward given at the time appears to have been ample compensation for the services rendered by Mr. Bedding.
Mr. POINTERWill the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the great services which Bedding rendered and the obligation on the Home Office if he has suffered loss to make it up inquire carefully into the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNACertainly, but it is only fair to say that in view of my hon. Friend's question I went very fully into the whole case this morning and came to the conclusion that there was no ground for making an extra grant.