HC Deb 14 August 1913 vol 56 cc2686-7W
Mr. WATT

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the case of Nora M'Reevie, who was charged with, and found guilty of, in Dunoon Police Court, on 6th November, 1911, stealing articles of clothing alleged to belong to the Glasgow parish council; whether he is aware that the complete outfit of clothing, including the articles said to have been stolen, was sold to this girl by the Glasgow parish council for the sum of 38s., and that part of that sum had been paid by her before the date of the alleged theft; whether the parish council of Glasgow had requested the Burgh Fiscal of Dunoon to prosecute in this case, and that he did so only on account of the pressure thus brought to bear on him; whether, in these circumstances, the conviction against the girl can be allowed to stand; and what action he proposes to take to see justice done?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

My attention has been called to the case referred to by my hon. Friend. According to the infor- mation I have received, the facts of the case are not as stated in the question. No pressure of any kind was brought to bear on the Burgh Fiscal. The prosecution was undertaken after thorough investigation of all the circumstances. After evidence had been led the magistrate convicted the accused having before him all the facts. I have no power to take any action in this case.