§ 18. Mr. LEES-SMITHasked the Home Secretary how many women have been arrested under the Defence of the Realm Regulation 40D, and in how many cases convictions have been obtained?
§ Sir G. CAVEUp to the 8th October there had been 201 prosecutions under the Regulation. Convictions had been obtained in 102 cases, in fifty-one of which the defendants pleaded guilty. Three other defendants were bound over or placed on probation, and six cases were under remand when the Return was made.
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHIn view of the answer that in nearly one out of every two eases no conviction was obtained, may I ask if any arrangement has been made to give compensation to the women who have been subjected to this examination?
§ Sir G. CAVEI think the Return shows that the magistrates are very careful and do not convict except in very clear cases.
§ Mr. DILLONWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to give the House an early opportunity of discussing this abominable Regulation?
§ Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIn view of the futility of this Order, will the right hon. Gentleman withdraw it altogether?
§ Sir G. CAVEAs a matter of fact the Regulation is being considered by a Committee, which will report in due course.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIn view of the very widespread interest in this matter, will my right hon. Friend endeavour to expedite the Report of the Committee?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Committee has been asked to report as soon as possible.
§ Mr. DILLONWill the right hon. Gentleman allow the House an opportunity of discussing this matter before the Committee report, which may not be until after Christmas?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat is not a question for me, but in any case it would be very undesirable to have a discussion while the Committee is considering the question.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that the Committee will report before Prorogation?
§ Sir G. CAVEI cannot of course do that. They have been asked to report as early as possible.
§ Mr. DILLONI beg to give notice that at the very earliest opportunity I will raise this question.
§ 19. Mr. LEES-SMITHasked whether the terms of reference of the Committee set up to inquire into Defence of the Realm Regulation 40D are confined to the modification of the Regulation or include also the question of its withdrawal?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Committee were appointed to consider the Regulation and what modifications (if any) should be made in its terms or in the procedure for enforcing it, and I do not think they would be precluded from considering the question of its withdrawal.
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHAs the Committee is considering the question of the withdrawal of this Regulation, and in view of the general hostility to it, will the right hon. Gentleman have it suspended until the Committee has reported? [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]
§ Sir G. CAVENo. The Cabinet has already given a decision on that point.
§ Mr. ALDENIf the Committee reported against the Regulation could the right hon. Gentleman in his own person withdraw it?
§ Sir G. CAVEI could not. It would have to be rescinded by Order in Council.