HC Deb 18 February 1919 vol 112 c747
87 and 89. Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a public defender of prisoners awaiting trial; (2) whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a public defender of prisoners awaiting trial?

Mr. SHORTT

Provision is already made under the Poor Prisoners Defence Act for supplying such prisoners as require it, with legal assistance at the public cost, and I am not aware of any sufficient ground for altering those provisions.