§ Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the growing tendency of justices of petty sessions to call probation officers and others into whispered conversation inaudible to the accused person, and, in view of the fact that this course is not followed at courts of quarter sessions where probation officers and others charged with the responsibility of inquiring into the history of an accused person are required to give evidence on oath, will he draw the attention of justices of petty sessions to this irregularity?
§ Sir S. HoareI was not aware that there is a growing tendency of the kind referred to, but the hon. Member has sent me a communication on the subject and I am having inquiry made about the statement in this communication.