HC Deb 15 November 1917 vol 99 cc610-1W
Mr. NUGENT

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that a man named Joseph Harmon was arrested on 8th July last on suspicion of having caused the death of Inspector Mills; that he was returned for trial and detained in custody until 3rd August, when a none prosequi was entered by the Crown, the Attorney-General stating that the evidence would not entitle him to ask a jury to find a verdict against him; whether he is aware of the expense to which Harmon has been put in preparing his defence and summoning twenty witnesses; and, as the Crown had by their action in withdrawing the charge admitted that a mistake had been made and Harmon's innocence established, he will consider the granting to Harmon of adequate compensation for the imprisonment he had been forced to suffer, the degradation he was subjected to, and the expenses he has been put to?

Mr. DUKE

As I informed the hon. Member by letter ,on, the 24th August, all the circumstances of the case referred to have been carefully considered, but it has been decided that the case is not one in which compensations as suggested can be paid.