§ Colonel PRYCE-JONESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times in 1912 defendants in cases have pleaded market overt for the retention of stolen property?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no information on the subject, and I do not think any is available.
§ Colonel PRYCE-JONESasked whether, by the custom of the City of London, that part of any shop within the City to which the public are admitted without special invitation is market overt, and that any property purchased within these limits gives right of ownership to any stolen or wrongfully obtained goods; and whether it is the intention of the Government that, this exclusive right be retained or if he intends to introduce a Bill to redress this evil?
§ Mr. McKENNAI cannot undertake to express a precise opinion on the law of market overt as it operates in the City of London, but I am informed by the, City Police that they have no information to show that evil arises in connection with the administration of the criminal law relating to stolen or wrongfully obtained goods from any custom peculiar to the City.