§ 1. Mr. Haleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason and by what authority David Sa Darku, a prisoner in Winson Green Prison, committed for trial for an attack on a warder was transferred to Broad-moor Institution shortly after completing an application for legal aid.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Major Gwilym Lloyd-George)Darku was certified insane on 4th May three days before he made application for legal aid. He was removed to Broad-moor in pursuance of a warrant under Section 2 of the Criminal Lunatics Act, 1884, which I signed on 7th May.
§ Mr. HaleI do not know the facts and I do not make any allegations about this case at all, but is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this man was entirely friendless in this country, had no relatives to consult, and had no advice, although committed for trial in February, and will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman keep an eye on the case?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI can assure the hon. Gentleman that we do not yet know whether this man is fit to plead, but we shall get another report on 29th June, and the clerk of assize will be fully informed in time to enable an application for aid to be made.