§ 11. Mr. DOBBIEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the case of a summons being served on a man at Birkenhead at the place of his employment instead of being served at his present address, this action of the police in so serving the summons causing the man to lose his situation; and will he take the necessary action to prevent the serving of a summons in this manner in the future?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy attention had not previously been called to this case, but I have made inquiries and am informed that a summons was served on this defendant at his place of employment only after two unsuccessful attempts had been made to serve it at the address given by him. His employer has stated that his dismissal was not in any way due to the service of the summons, of which the employer was not aware. It was due to the defendant's misconduct in neglecting his duties, and I see no occasion for any action on my part in the matter.
§ Mr. PIKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the service of summonses in many parts of the country is not carried out with strict regard to the law; and will he make inquiries with a view to alleviating the distress which is sometimes caused by the service on a wife of a summons which is really in respect of the husband?