§ 23. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Alfred George Hinds, who escaped from Nottingham Prison on 28th November and who claims 553 that he was wrongly convicted in December, 1953, remains at large, although he is not only in touch with the Press and television, but is also well known to the police; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeIt would not be in the public interest to indicate what the police are doing or how much information they have.
§ Mr. de FreitasAs this man has recorded his voice and had it broadcast over commercial television, may I ask whether the Home Secretary holds out any hope of catching him until he makes a personal appearance or something like that?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI am always full of hope, and I am perfectly satisfied that in due course the police will get him, but, as the hon. Gentleman no doubt realises, there is nothing to prevent a prisoner, either through the post—[HON. MEMBERS: "Advertise for him."]—or through the Press, from taking this action. Unfortunately, he is advertising himself. I am satisfied that the police will catch him.
§ Mr. J. HyndWill the Minister not consider extending similar facilities through the Press, radio and television to other criminals who have loyally remained in prison, so that they make an appeal for public sympathy?
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeHas not this case occasioned some public comment and public distaste? Can my right hon. and gallant Friend explain why representatives of the Press and television who evidently have connived in the association with this criminal refugee from justice, are not brought into court and prosecuted?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThis is a very difficult point. It is an offence to harbour a criminal—[An HON. MEMBER: "Or to televise him."] He was not televised. It is an offence to harbour a criminal, but not to do what has been done up to date, otherwise action would have been taken.