HC Deb 18 November 1941 vol 376 c183
76. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give any information in connection with the case of Stanley Pearse and others, who were charge at the Old Street Police Court, on Saturday, 8th November, with stealing 12,000 boxes of matches; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)

I have made inquiry and find that Pearse and two others were charged in connection with the theft of a quantity of matches and other articles from some premises in North London. The cases were disposed of on 15th November, when Pearse was bound over for 12 months and placed on probation, and one of the others was sentenced to one day's imprisonment. The charge against the third man was dismissed on the ground of insufficient evidence. I am informed that about three-quarters of the stolen property has been recovered. No further action in the matter is contemplated.

Sir W. Davison

What has happened to the matches? It would be very valuable if the public could have some.