§ Mr. TIMOTHY DAVIESasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Charles Henry Bird, 56, St. Olaf's Road, Fulham, who was arrested on the morning of 8th November, when at home with seven little children, one a paralytic, and taken to Brixton prison, apparently for failing to pay rates due to the borough council; is he aware that the man was out of work and without means; can he state when the warrant was issued for the arrest of Mr. Bird; and what notice was given him of the proposed arrest?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no authority to interfere in the matter of the enforcement of rates, but I am informed that the two warrants of commitment in this case were issued on the 26th September last and executed on the 8th November. Mr. Bird had been summoned to appear before magistrates on the 16th May and the 15th August to show cause why he should not pay the rates, but had failed to show any sufficient cause.