82. Mr. CREECH JONESasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the numerous cases in which bail is refused because of objection by the police, he will instruct the police not to object to the grant of bail except on the ground that it is not probable that the accused will appear to take his trial?
§ Mr. LLOYDIt is, of course, most desirable that the magistrates shall make full use of their powers to grant bail. The function of the police is to bring to the notice of the court information or considerations relevant to the discretion which the court has to exercise. My right hon. Friend has no reason to think that the police fail to assist the courts to the best of their ability, and he has no authority to issue such an instruction as is suggested.