§ 25. Mr. CASSELasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the observations of Mr. Justice Atkin at the trial of Starchfield at the Central Criminal Court on 1st April; whether he will institute an inquiry into the proceedings and the methods of taking depositions at the coroner's inquest, and the circumstances under which the charge against Starchfield was made and proceeded with; what has been the total cost incurred in connection with the charges made against Starchfield and his prosecution; and whether any and, if so, what portion of the cost will fall upon the London ratepayers?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)I am making inquiry into this matter. I can only say at present that the coroner does not admit the accuracy of the statements made to the learned judge as to his methods in conducting the inquest. As regards the costs in connection with the charge against Starchfield, I cannot say what the total will amount to, but the costs incurred by the Director of Public Prosecutions come to about £270, of which £105 falls on local funds, the balance being payable out of the Vote for Law Charges.
§ Mr. CASSELWill the right hon. Gentleman institute any inquiry, or inquire further, into a matter of so serious a description as that an inquest involving the capital charge should be conducted in such a way that the judge described it as an entire mockery?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy answer began by saying that I am making inquiries into this matter.
§ Mr. CASSELI beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. McKENNAI shall be unable to give the hon. and learned Gentleman any further information than I am giving him now.
§ 26. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the remarks of the judge in the Starchfield trial; and whether there is any means of compensating Mr. Starchfield for the expenses, and, still more, the mental agony, he must have suffered in consequence of so unfounded a charge being brought against him by the police?
§ 31. Mr. CASSELasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the judge's observations at the trial of Starchfield, the Government are prepared to pay him compensation for any expense incurred and the suffering endured by him?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have seen a report of the learned judge's remarks, but I do not find in them any grounds for suggesting that this is a case for the payment of compensation front public funds.
§ Mr. REMNANTWill the right hon. Gentleman allow this man sonic extra facilities for selling his papers, allowing him a paper stall in addition to some compensation?
§ Mr. McKENNAI will consider the point.