§ Major CRAWFURDasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the cases dealt with at the Old Bailey on 19th July of R. V. Robinson and R. V. Benny, special constables enlisted during the strike; whether he is aware that these men, with another still at large, were billeted on Sir W. Bass, at 78, South Audley Street, in accordance with a Home Office scheme of hospitality, contrary to the authority of Sir W. Bass, who had confined his invitation to Government clerks or typists; whether any of the three men had been previously convicted; what guarantees or credentials are required of men offering themselves as special constables; what amends, if any, have been made to Sir W. Bass for the theft of his property by these men; whether he is aware that Sir W. Bass has been compelled to issue process against the Commissioner of Police to regain possession of the articles stolen by members of his own force; and whether any reply, other than a bare acknowledgment, has been sent to Sir W. Bass's repeated written requests for an explanation?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am aware of the circumstances of this case, and that, through an unfortunate misunderstanding, which I much regret, three special constables were sent to Sir William Bass's1718W house, though his invitation had been confined to lady workers. The two men who were mentioned in the question had been previously convicted. In the emergency, 50,000 special constables were enrolled in one week, and I am afraid that the careful inquiries which are ordinarily made had not been carried out in these cases when the men were sent to Sir William Bass's house. As the most valuable part of the property was claimed by the pawnbrokers who were in possession of it, the Commissioner of Police was not in a position to return it without an order by a competent Court. Sir William Bass has been so advised, and I understand that the case will be heard to-day.