§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can make the assistance of the police available for the discovery in the United Kingdom, in British Dominions, or in a foreign country of a bankrupt in this country who has not surrendered; and, if not, whether placing in his hands particulars 1370W on which primâ facie an independent criminal charge could be based would enable him to make the assistance of the police available for the purpose mentioned?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEIt is impossible to give a complete or positive answer with regard to hypothetical cases.Primâ facie bankruptcy is not a matter which gives the police any ground for action. If, however, a criminal charge is made, they give the same assistance in tracing and arresting the offender as in other criminal proceedings. Whether a bankrupt who has escaped abroad can be brought back depends, inter alia, on the nature of the criminal charge against him, and, in the case of escape to a foreign country, on the terms of the extradition treaty with that country.