§ 10. Mr. Grimondasked the Attorney-General how many prosecutions, involving a charge of public mischief, have been initiated in the last five years.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Director of Public Prosecutions has advised or instituted proceedings in 38 prosecutions involving public mischief since 1st January, 1949. The number of prosecutions by other persons is not available.
§ Mr. GrimondDoes this include conspiracy to perpetuate public mischief? Further, can the Solicitor-General say what is the common element in these charges?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI think the figures I have given would include charges of conspiracy to effect public mischief, but I think the majority of cases are the usual type of case of making false reports to the police resulting in an innocent person or persons being placed in jeopardy.