HC Deb 29 May 1919 vol 116 c1392
17. Mr. THOMAS GRIFFITHS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a case which arose in Redcar being taken for trial to Loftus, on 23rd May, although petty sessions can be held at Redcar any day and the case determined there; whether the man charged with larceny at Redcar was actually conveyed twelve miles beyond the town where facilities exist for hearing cases, and that four witnesses were compelled to make this unnecessary journey, thereby involving additional charges upon public funds; whether, in view of the fact that the country rates show a tendency to advance for necessary reforms, he will urge upon the authorities that such waste as in this case shall be avoided, and that in the interests of economy, as well as for the convenience of the public interested, cases shall be heard in the areas in which the offence arises; and whether he will ask for a Return of the money spent during the last two years through Redcar cases being taken elsewhere to be dealt with?

Mr. PRATT

My right hon. Friend desires to refer the hon. Member to the answer on the same subject given yesterday to the hon. Member for Barnard Castle.