Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the grounds for suppressing the names of those concerned in a recent prosecution under the White Slave Traffic Act; and if he will take steps to prevent a repetition of this procedure, as being calculated to impair the effectiveness of the Act?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have seen a newspaper report of a case recently heard at Lambeth Police Court, and I have communicated with the magistrate who heard the case. I understand that the course referred to in the question was adopted at the request of the principal witness for the prosecution, who is the wife of the accused. A Court will be justified in adopting such a course when satisfied that it will be in the interests of justice, and I have no authority to interfere with the Courts in the exercise of their discretion in the matter.