HC Deb 12 July 1928 vol 219 cc2457-9
61. Mr. PURCELL

asked the Attorney-General whether any instructions are drafted for the guidance of the Public Prosecutor or other authorities respon-

Canadian authorities which will increase the British percentage of such immigration?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Amery)

As the answer to my hon. Friend's question is somewhat long and includes tabular statistics, I propose, with his permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. HURD

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question?

Mr. AMERY

We are all endeavouring to co-operate with the Dominion Government to increase the number of British migrants to Canada.

Mr. HURD

With what prospect of success?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

In what regard is the National Railway of Canada helping in this direction?

Mr. AMERY

I could not say offhand.

Following is the answer:

The following table shows the total immigration into Canada from Great Britain and from other European countries during the past five years:

sible for initiating a prosecution on a murder charge; and whether he will communicate them to the House?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Boyd Merriman)

So far as the Director of Public Prosecutions is concerned, it is his duty under the Prosecution of Offences Act to institute, undertake and carry on such criminal proceedings as may from time to time be prescribed by Regulations. There are no Regulations which relate specially to murder trials, but the Regulations made pur- suant to Section 8 of the Prosecution of Offences Act, 1879, were settled in the year 1886, and were laid on the Table of this House for 40 days before they became operative. These Regulations are printed in Volume II of Statutory Rules and Orders Revised, at page 600. I am not in a position to answer for other authorities.

Captain ARTHUR EVANS

Are we correct in assuming that if a coroner's jury brings in a verdict of murder against persons named or unnamed the Public Prosecutor has no option in the matter?

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL

One of the Regulations lays down that the cases in which it shall be the duty of the Director of Public Prosecutions to institute, undertake and carry on criminal proceedings in respect of an offence are, among others, where the offence is punishable by death.

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