§ Mr. Haydayasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the arrest by warrant and detention overnight in custody, on the 21st April, of Mr. G. W. Paling, a shopkeeper, of Beeston, Nottingham, a proposed witness in petty justice court proceedings; why a witness summons was not applied for in the first instance whether or not he undertook to give evidence; upon what sworn grounds the warrant was obtained and by whom sworn; and whether; in view of the indignity suffered by Mr. Paling, an apology will be forthcoming?
§ Sir S. HoareI have obtained a report from the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire, from which it appears that Mr. Paling was a material witness for the prosecution in proceedings against two youths who were charged with stealing. A subpoena for his attendance was issued in the ordinary course and it was only on his declining to give evidence that a warrant was obtained. There was no irregularity in the proceedings.