§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that William Foster Watson, during his appeal at the London Sessions, stated that he had been 645W approached by officers of Scotland Yard and was offered a salary; what was to be the nature of his occupation and the amount of his salary, and on. whose authority such offer was made; whether it is usual to offer positions to those who are regarded as troublesome to the authorities; how many of such persons have in the past been so approached and have accepted positions; and what is now the nature of their occupations?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am aware that Watson made this statement, but it is not the case that any offer of a salary or of a salaried position was made to him. I am informed that Watson did receive payments from the police to reward him for assistance rendered them in the investigation of certain illegal proceedings. It is well known that such rewards have from time to time to be given by the police in connection with criminal inquiries, especially, as in this case, in time of war. There is no foundation for the suggestion that the police offer positions to persons whom they regard as troublesome to the authorities, and no such offer has been made.