§ MR. ATHERLEY-JONES (Durham, N.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, having regard to the Memorials he has received from the ratepayers and from the miners of South Medomsley, he will suggest to the magistrates for the county of Durham the expediency of directing a thorough and impartial inquiry into the alleged improper conduct of the police during the recent evictions at South Medomsley Colliery?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CHILDERS) (Edinburgh, S.)My hon. Friend is aware that I have no authority over the Durham police, and that all I can do on such a Question as this being asked in the House of Commons is to call for information from the police authorities. I have done so, and it is not my opinion that on this occasion the police acted improperly. The remedy which the complainants have, if they are still unsatisfied, is to take proceedings before the Justices against the constables for excess of duty.