§ Mr. KINGasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that four Russian subjects, Chaim Sharf, Abraham Weisbaum, Albert Sindovsky, and Calet Roisen, were charged at Bow Street Police Court on 30th November, 1916, with making a false declaration, and that the prosecution was made by the Public Prosecutor; whether the Attorney-General considered the case and personally approved the prosecution; on how many occasions was the case adjourned, and on what date was the case last heard; for how many days after the arrest of these four men were they in custody, and for how many days were they on bail; whether he is aware that proceedings arising out of this case were taken in the High Court, and that counsel for the Crown appeared in such High Court proceedings; on what dates and what counsel were briefed by the Crown; whether he is aware that on or about 5th April, 1917, the charge against these men was withdrawn; was it withdrawn owing to lack of evidence or doubt as to the probability of securing a conviction, or if for other causes for what reason; what are the total costs, if any, to the Crown arising out of this case and the High Court proceedings connected with it; and whether, in view of the long detention suffered by these men and the complete 2424W breakdown of the prosecution, it is intended to offer these friendly aliens any apology or compensation?
§ Sir FREDERICK SMITHI am generally aware of the case referred to above, but the prosecution in question was not sanctioned by myself or by any Department for which I am responsible. I am not able, in the existing pressure of public work, to make the inquiries necessary to give the hon. Member the. information for which he asks. I became, however, sufficiently familiar with the case to be satisfied that the prosecution was one proper to be undertaken, and that there is no case for apology or compensation. The reason for its abandonment will probably be conjectured by the hon. Member.