§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE PAYMASTER-GENERAL (THE DUKE OF SUTHERLAND)My Lords, this is a Bill which arises out of the Oscar Slater case, which is probably familiar to your Lordships. It is introduced in accordance with a promise made by the Secretary of State for Scotland in another place. It enables the Secretary of State to exercise, in regard to convictions on or before October 31, 1926, the power which he has, under Section 16 of the Act of 1926 with regard to convictions after that date, to refer the whole case or any point arising therein to the High Court of Justieiary.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Duke of Sutherland.)
§ LORD BUCKMASTERMy Lords, I have had special occasion to examine very closely both the evidence of the trial of Oscar Slater and the attending circumstances. It would be an offence far worse than mere imprudence or indiscretion if I were to express here any indication of the opinion that I have formed, either in favour of or against, the man. But I desire most cordially to welcome this Bill in order that the people—and they are many—who think that there has been a miscarriage of the law may now rest satisfied that justice will be done.
§ On Question, Bill read 2aand committed to a Committee of the Whole House.