§ 13. Mr. MAXTONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that two Coldstream Guardsmen, who were recently tried at Berks Assizes on a charge of window breaking, had been kept in prison for four months and three months, respectively, having been committed for trial by the lower Court without being given an opportunity of applying for bail; whether he will advise magistrates and the police that prisoners should be asked whether they desire bail in every possible case; and whether, with a view to shortening the period during which unconvicted persons may he kept in prison, time will he given shortly for the Criminal Justice Bill?
Mr. HENDERSONI am obtaining full particulars of the case referred to, and when I have received them T will consider whether there is any action that I can usefully take. As regards the last part of the question, I am in communication with the Leader of the House