§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Home Secretary whether the constable who arrested a girl employed as a domestic servant at Shepherd's Bush, at the in- 2285W stance of the Ipswich Board of Guardians on 4th January, belonged to the Metropolitan Police; whether the accused was kept in Acton Prison from Saturday till Monday, the bail which was offered for her appearance on Monday being refused; whether he is aware that the Ipswich Board of Guardians knew the address of the accused, but had not given her any intimation that they had any claim against her before they caused her to be arrested; and whether any action can be taken to prevent a recurrence of an incident of this kind, which may have a serious effect upon the girl's reputation and prospects of earning her livelihood?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe arrest in question was made by a constable of the Metropolitan Police, acting on a warrant issued at Ipswich. The arrest was made about 7 p.m. on Saturday, the 4th, and a telegram asking for an escort to be sent was dispatched at 7.13 p.m. The escort arrived at 11.30 a.m. on the 6th, when the prisoner was handed over. Inquiry was made if she could be liberated on bail, but the Metropolitan Police had no authority thus to release her, as she was in custody on a warrant. The question so far as it relates to the action of the guardians appears to be one for the Local Government Board rather than my Department.