§ 7. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received from a man living at 75, Watt Street, Glasgow, complaints of his arrest on a charge of wife and family desertion; whether he is aware that this man has been unemployed for two years and was tramping the country searching for work; that out of a week's earnings of 25s. he sent home 5s., and was subsequently arrested on a charge of desertion; and that the man is 58 years old and has never before been charged with this offence; and whether he will have inquiries made into the case?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. William Watson)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that the man concerned appeared before the Sheriff Court, Glasgow, on the 7th May last, where he pleaded guilty to the charge, and that sentence was then deferred till the 23rd July, on the understanding that he would endeavour to provide for his wife and family. As the case is still sub judice my right hon. Friend can give no reply to the remaining parts of the question.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs the Lord Advocate not aware that the man only pleaded guilty to the technical offence of not putting his address upon the letter which accompanied the postal order sent to his family, and that as a result of his arrest the man has lost his situation?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEI do not quite agree with the facts as stated by the hon. Member, and I think it would be better not to discuss the matter at the present moment.