41. Sir N. G RATTAN-DOYLEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the observations of Metropolitan magistrates respecting the recent order that the doctor's report as to the condition of a person charged with drunkenness should not be presented by the police officers in the witness box; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe recent order, which was issued after consultation with the chief magistrate, was not to the effect stated. It did away with the practice of including, in a mere memorandum of expenses incurred by the police, the short effect of any medical report for which, among other matters, expense had been incurred, and with the practice of referring to this memorandum in court, in certain circumstances, without evidence on the point being taken. I have seen or received various representations, to various effects, from individual magistrates. These will all of course be carefully considered and should any further action appear necessary or desirable it will be taken.