BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Australian Press As.su.-—United Service

LONDON. A ray 17. In the Commons, Air Gunn’s reply to a question said there were no animals in the London quarantine station for export to Australia. 'The Australian Government has not replied, stating the conditions of quarantine subject to which it would be prepared to allow the importing of animals from Britain. The Ministry of Agriculture is still hoping for a satisfactory reply. Sir Joyiison-Ilioks in answer to Air Johnston’s question, said, after investigation of all material, lie had referred to the public prosecutor, the

question whether the constable in the • Sir C. Afoney case was guilty of giving false evidence. The Director of Public Prosecutions reported that fallowing the normal procedure, a- statement was taken from Miss Savage, simply l in the capacity of a witness. Afr Johnston —“Are you aware the girl was refused permission to go homo before licing questioned ; that she was repeatedly warned she must n-t tell anyone she had lieen to Scotland Yard a statement. A woman police officer was removed from the room while third degree methods were used.”

Sir Joynson Flicks: “The Inspector saw, Mrs Savage at two o’clock in the afternoon. She was taken to Scotland Yard in a motor car hy a woman inspector and given tea. Her mother was telephoned and told there was cause for anxiety. The girl was taken home at 8 o’clock.” Cries of “Shame!” “Disgraceful!” Sir Joynson Hicks: “1 have been given all the information obtained from the Director of Prosecutions. I am certainly unaware that the gill fainted?” Mr MacDonald: “Do you think this of getting evidence and handling witnesses is a step for which you are not responsible whether it is done by the Director of Prosecutions or anyone else ? ” Sir Joynson Hicks: “ T recognise that if the police at anyone’s instructions acted wrongly towards the girl, I am ultimately responsible. At the same time 1 do not desire to prejudice an action hy an independent officer like the Director of Prosecutions, t promise the fullest investigation into the allegations.”