§ 2. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the arrest of Mr. Harry Ball, of Harrogate, at Nice, France, charged with making bets on a racecourse; and whether the British consular representative at Nice has taken any steps to secure the release of this British subject, or have any representations been made to the French authorities on the subject?
§ 11. Mr. MERRIMANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent arrest at Nice, France, of Mr. Joshua Moulineaux, of Levenshulme, Manchester, and his detention for three days on an allegation of bookmaking at Nice races: and whether any representations have been, or will be, made to the French authorities on the subject?
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have received a report on the matter from His Majesty's Consul at Nice. Mr. Ball and Mr. Moulineaux were charged on 20th January with violating the French law which forbids any but pari mutuel betting, and were committed to prison, but released on bail on 23rd January. The case is expected to be tried after Easter. There are no grounds for any representations to the French authorities.
§ Mr. DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these two persons, when arrested, were asked to take off their clothes and were left in a cell, wearing only their underwear; and does he not think that is sufficient ground for making representations?
§ Mr. HACKINGI know these persons were searched. I did not know they were stripped. Possibly the hon. Member is exaggerating.
§ Mr. HACKINGThere is no good in making representations at the moment. The case is sub judice, as the hon. Member knows, and it is very hard to interfere in any way, until the case has been dealt with by the Courts.