§ 22. Mr. H. G. Williamsasked the Attorney-General the name of the common informer on whose instigation the Public Prosecutor initiated criminal proceedings for alleged offences in connection with a municipal election in Croydon against Mr. Percy Harper, Mr. John Terry, and Mr. William Peacock?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe question refers to a common informer, but this was not a prosecution brought by a common informer but was a prosecution by the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is contrary to the public interest to disclose the identities of any persons who may have given information to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to prosecutions undertaken by him. I need not add that the fullest inquiries were made before these proceedings were brought and the justices, after hearing evidence, committed the case for trial.
§ Mr. WilliamsShall I be right in assuming that the Labour party of Croydon were very disappointed when the jury stopped the case?
§ Mr. ThorneIs the Attorney-General aware that the common informer is the most despicable man in the world?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis case had nothing to do with a common informer.