§ Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the recent 289W case in the Metropolis in which a person was arrested and charged with a criminal offence, and even though the evidence and witnesses were readily available, the police requested an adjournment for three weeks; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the utmost restraint is exercised by the Metropolitan Police in deciding the period for which they request adjournments in such cases.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI know of no such case. It is for the court to decide whether to remand an accused person and for how long. The Metropolitan Police apply for a remand only when it is necessary for the purpose of preparing the case for the prosecution.