HC Deb 05 February 1929 vol 224 cc1571-2
27. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been drawn to the refusal of the prison doctor who was called as a witness for the Crown in the murder charge at Dumfries on the 20th December last to give a precognition to the defence until the day of the trial; and whether steps have been taken to ensure that any Crown servant called as a witness for the Crown will in future, if called upon to do so, provide the defence with a statement of the evidence which he intends to give at the trial?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The medical officer appears to have been under a misapprehension as to the meaning and effect of certain of the prison rules. I am not satisfied that these rules are expressed in terms sufficiently clear, and I am taking steps to secure that the causes of the misunderstanding which has arisen in this case may be removed in the future.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Is it quite clear that no regulations in future will be allowed to hamper a person accused of murder in obtaining information which is relevant to the charge, and may be essential to his defence?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am dealing with the question of this particular case, and, in so far as future cases dealing with prison regulations are concerned, as I have informed the hon. and gallant Member, I propose to make it clear that there will be no further difficulty in this matter.