HC Deb 07 May 1936 vol 311 cc1857-8
18. Mr. VIANT

asked the Home Secretary whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Vernon, of Gladstone Park Gardens, Willesden, who at Marylebone police court on 22nd April was charged with theft, it being her first offence; and whether it was at the instigation of the police that bail was refused?

Mr. LLOYD

My right hon. Friend has obtained particulars of the case to which the hon. Member refers. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. VIANT

Is it a regular practice for magistrates to refuse bail on unjustifiable grounds?

Mr. LLOYD

The grant of bail is entirely a matter for the court and my right hon. Friend has no authority to express an opinion on the way that the court's discretion is exercised.

Sir PATRICK HANNON

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether a question of this kind, affecting a single individual, should be brought forward to take up Parliamentary time?

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

Do the Home Office take the view that magistrates ought to grant bail unless there is the strongest ground against it?

Mr. VIANT

Can I have a reply to my question? This is very important.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has had his reply.