§ 25. Mr. McELWEEasked the Home Secretary whether he has completed his investigation into the facilities for taking the oath by Catholics in the Manchester Police Court, and if he proposes to make recommendations to the Lord Chancellor thereon; and, if so, will he include one to grant a new trial in the case of J. B. Hudson?
§ Mr. CLYNESUpon inquiry I find that upon being told that there was no Catholic Bible in court a witness asked to be allowed to affirm, an alternative which was not open to him because of his declared religious belief. A Catholic Bible has now been obtained and there are no grounds on which further action in the matter could be taken by me.
§ Mr. McELWEEWill the Home Secretary reconsider this case, in view of the fact that the case went against the man because his chief witness was denied the right to affirm?
§ Mr. CLYNESI think I have given the fullest answer that could be given to the points in the question, but any new point I will of course consider.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYAre steps being taken to provide Catholic Bibles in all courts?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes, the latter part of my reply indicates that. If any other instance is brought to my notice I shall be glad to deal with it.
§ Mr. PHILIP OLIVERWas there any ground for refusing the right of affirmation?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe only ground I have heard of is that referred to in my answer.
§ Mr. OLIVERIs there any legal justification for that?
§ Mr. McELWEEWill the Home Secretary make representations to the Lord Chancellor as to investigating the fitness of this magistrate to sit on the bench?
§ Mr. CLYNESIf my hon. Friend thinks that there are circumstances relating to this particular instance which call for such investigation, and, if he will give me information, I shall be glad to place the matter in the proper quarter.