HC Deb 30 April 1931 vol 251 cc1837-8W
Sir G. PENNY

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that at the magisterial proceedings held at Kingston on 8th April against William Gordon Baldwin, now under remand on a charge of murder, when the accused was not represented in court by a legal representative, the magistrates notified their intention to grant legal aid at the public expense, and that the police reported that Baldwin had been seen by counsel the previous evening, and that the accused informed the magistrates that he did not understand that he would have to pay the solicitor who had been so instructed and that he had not sent for him; whether the charge sheet was marked for a public defence: and what steps have been taken or are being taken for this to be done?

Mr. SHORT

My right hon. Friend would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 23rd instant to the hon. Member for Newcastle North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), to which he can only add that he is informed that on the 8th instant the Chairman of the Bench announced that a legal aid certificate would be issued, and that on 14th instant counsel appeared who had been instructed by the solicitor referred to in the question.