§ 35. Lord EDMUND TALBOTasked if the Home Secretary's attention has been called to the case of a labourer killed near Washington, Sussex, in April by a foreign motorist; whether, notwithstanding a verdict of manslaughter, the accused escaped abroad; what precautions were taken to avoid his escape and who was responsible for their failure; and what steps the Government are taking with a view to bringing the accused to justice?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have caused inquiry to be made into this matter. So far as I can judge, the facts ascertained by the police in connection with the accident in question were not of such a kind as would have justified them in arresting the motorist on a criminal charge before the conclusion of the inquest. As soon as the coroner's jury returned a verdict of manslaughter steps were immediately taken for the arrest of the accused, but he appears to have escaped from this country the same day. I am advised that neither 1474 the coroner nor the police can fairly be blamed for remissness in this affair.
§ Lord EDMUND TALBOTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this very foreign gentleman was the cause of the death of a woman about three weeks previously, though it is only fair to add that in that instance the verdict was "Death by misadventure."
§ Mr. McKENNAI was not aware of the circumstances stated by the Noble Lord.