HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 363 cc41-2W
Sir J. Mellor

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of his consent being a condition precedent to proceedings under the Treachery Act, he will take steps to ensure that he is notified of any criminal charge against any person which is founded upon allegations of fact which would, if substantiated, justify a conviction under the Treachery Act; and if he will give an assurance that it is his intention to invoke the provisions of the Treachery Act whenever applicable?

The Attorney-General

As explained in my answer to the hon. Member for Rusholme (Mr. Radford) on 3rd July, the existing arrangements ensure that any case where grave issues are involved is referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Any case in which the evidence justified the consideration of proceedings under the Treachery Act would be brought to my attention by the director. It is certainly the intention to take proceedings under the Treachery Act in cases in which the evidence justifies this course.