§ 75. Sir P. HARRISasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the case, of which full details have already been sent to him, of Mr. D. Renshaw, of 19, Ivimey Street, Bethnal Green, whose house was forcibly entered, on 16th June, by two plain-clothes detectives who, without producing any warrant until later when another detective brought it, used violence against Mr. and Mrs. Renshaw, cross-examined their son and arrested him two days later and treated him harshly; and, in view of the fact that no charge was made against any of these people and of the suffering caused to them morally and socially; will he see that a full apology is offered and satisfaction made?
§ Mr. LLOYDThe action of the police in this matter was taken under a warrant issued by a magistrate for a search of the premises. My right hon. Friend cannot accept in all respects the hon. Member's version of what occurred, but as proceedings are under consideration, my 36 right hon. Friend does not think that it would be proper to make any comment, at any rate at this stage.
§ Sir P. HARRISDoes the Home Secretary consider it justifiable to force an entry, before resistance is made to entry, on the premises? Is that according to the general practice even when a search warrant is available? Is it not customary, before action is taken, that a sheriff's warrant should be presented to the people concerned?
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhat was the object of the search warrant in this case?
§ Mr. LLOYDI understand it was under the Betting Act.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes this not show how stupid it all is—breaking into people's houses to find out about some lottery?