§ 44. Sir John Mellorasked the Attorney-General whether he will give an assurance that British subjects who broadcast under enemy auspices will be prosecuted under the Treachery Act as soon as they can be brought to justice?
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)I have every sympathy with my hon. Friend's desire that British subjects who assist the enemy should be brought to justice. Whether any particular case or class of case is proper for proceedings under the Treachery Act or for some other form of proceedings must depend on the facts as submitted to me when an application is made. Parliament has provided that my consent must be given under the Act referred to in each case and, I think, clearly intended I should deal with each case as submitted.
§ Sir J. MellorWill my right hon. and learned Friend say whether arrangements, are in existence for recording the evidence of such broadcasts?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThat is entirely outside my Department. I only deal with these cases on evidence submitted to me which is collected by the police or the authorities.
§ Sir J. MellorWill my right hon. and learned Friend make representations to the Home Office that such a record should be kept?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am certainly willing to do that, or my hon. Friend might get into touch with the Home Office. I wanted to make it clear that it was outside my responsibility.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it not a fact that if people did the right thing, neither this Act nor many others would be needed?