HC Deb 11 November 1926 vol 199 c1270W
Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the arrest of Mr. H. Zinges, a permanent officer of the National Union of Distributive and Allied Workers, whilst collecting trade union contributions on 15th October last, and charged with street betting; whether he is aware that the case was dismissed by the Magistrate at the Clerkenwell Police Court showing that there was no ground for the, charge; and, in view of the dismissal of the case by the. Court and the apprehension of the trade union concerned that Zinges was arrested because he is a trade union officer, will he say what precautions will be taken to prevent such incidents in future?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

On inquiry I find that the Magistrate dismissed the charge because it was not proved to his satisfaction beyond all reasonable doubt. He made no order as to costs. The Magistrate did not impute any blame to the police, and there are no grounds for the suggestion in the latter part of the question that Mr. Zinges was arrested because he is a trade union officer.