Colonel Arthur Evans:

asked the Home Secretary whether he has concluded his examination of the papers which were submitted to him by the honourable Member for Cardiff, South, relating to the case of Lady Lucas, and whether he will inform the House of the action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir; and after considering the information given in those papers and in a report which I have received from the Commissioner of Police, I have come to the conclusion that there is no ground for any further action on my part.

Colonel Evans:

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman does not find it possible to take any further action, can he inform us why the original charge against Lady Lucas was withdrawn, which did not permit of that lady's stating her defence in the police court?

I understand there were reasons as the case developed which led to the police taking the view that it was necessary to proceed with the charge and press it to its ultimate conclusion; but, on the other hand, as to the actual conduct of the police on the spot, I am satisfied that it was correct, and I see no reason to intervene with them.

Colonel Evans:

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the treatment which Lady Lucas received when she arrived at the police station, where she was prohibited from communicating with her husband or anybody else for an hour and a half; and do not the documents I submitted to the right hon. Gentleman for his consideration bear out the statement I have made? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Reply—

These are allegations that ought to be answered. The evidence before me does not bear out what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has said. I am bound to add this. The police have a difficult job to perform. They had an arrest to make, and whether it be a man or a woman, whether it be Mrs. Brown, of Poplar, or anybody else, if anybody interferes with the police in the execution of their duty, I am going to support the police.

Is the Home Secretary aware that the hon. and gallant Member whose wife we are speaking about was injured so severely that his back was broken, and that he was not free to give evidence on behalf of his wife?

I am aware of that, and it is possible that that was one of the factors in the mind of the police in regard to the police-court proceedings. Rightly or wrongly that may have been one of the factors. But with regard to persons interfering with the police in the execution of their duty and causing trouble, the police are going to have my support, whoever the person concerned may be.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, when the Minister will be able to make a fuller speech.

I am much obliged to the Noble Lord.