§ 84. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the case of Mr. Watt, who, in Scotland recently, was arrested on a murder charge, held in custody for a long time, and then released without trial; and what compensation he will seek to have awarded to him.
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware of the circumstances of this case, which were explained by my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate in replying to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) on 1st July. It is not the practice for any payment to be made from State funds to a person because he has been arrested and detained and proceedings against him have subsequently been abandoned.