HC Deb 18 January 1945 vol 407 cc348-9
53. Mr. Naylor

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent action taken against Canon J. M. James, Rector of St Clears, Carmarthenshire, who assaulted the local billeting officer, Mr. W. Emlyn Jones, by striking him on the head and rendering him unconscious and who was fined £5 plus costs on a charge of obstruction only; why there was no charge of the more serious offence of battery and assault; and if, in future, his department will take steps to protect their agents

Mr. Willink

Yes, Sir. The proceedings on the charge of obstructing the billeting officer in the discharge of his duties were taken by the police. As the officer may be considering further action, I do not think it would be proper for me to say more. Occurrences of this kind are fortunately extremely rare and no special steps for the protection of billeting officers seem to be called for.

Mr. Naylor

In the circumstances disclosed by that answer, will the right hon. Gentleman agree that the billeting officer was the better Christian of the two?

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