HC Deb 20 May 1935 vol 302 cc13-4
Mr. McENTEE

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Edwin Todd, of Hampstead Road, was arrested by plain-clothes police in Marylebone Lane, on Monday, 6th May, and charged with being a suspected person and attempting to pick pockets; that he had his measurements and finger-prints taken at Marylebone police station; that he appeared before Mr. Snell at Marylebone police court, and was discharged; that he is 50 years of age and a workman of good character; and that he lost one and a half days' wages as a consequence of his wrongful arrest; whether it is pro posed to compensate him for his loss of wages and wrongful detention; and whether his finger-print record will be destroyed?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have made inquiries and am satisfied that the police officers concerned in no way exceeded their duty in arresting Mr. Todd, and bringing him before the court. The fact that a charge has been dismissed by a magistrate does not in itself afford ground for any claim for compensation, and I do not propose to take any action in the matter. In accordance with the usual practice, Mr. Todd's finger-prints were destroyed, after the case was disposed of.

Mr. McENTEE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man has been a. member of his trade union for 28 years, is widely known in the industry, and that everybody who knows him has the highest regard and respect for his character. Why should he be taken away and lose a day and a half's pay because someone commits a blunder and then get no compensation?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I do not think there is any question of his losing a day and a half's pay. He was taken at nine o'clock in the evening and his case was heard by the court the next morning.

Mr. McENTEE

His firm, one of the best in the country, had agreed to pay half wages for Jubilee day, provided the men were at work the next morning. Consequently, when he was arrested he was unable to get to work and lost a day and a half's pay.

Sir J. GILMOUR

If the hon. Member can give me fresh information, I shall be glad to consider it.