§ MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)asked the Secretary of State for for Home Department, Whether, in view of the following sentence in a Circular just issued to the Metropolitan Police by Sir Charles Warren:—
The Commissioner desires to any on the subject, that he will institute the fullest inquiry into the allegations made by the public on the subject of blackmailing, and is quite aware that the Police Force court the most open and complete investigation. He has to observe that the accusations have been hitherto made under assumed names, or by persons speaking from such positions that they cannot readily be required to show whether they have any foundations for their allegations,he will state whether any investigation has boon made into the serious and definite allegations of blackmailing against the police on duty in the neighbourhood of Clapham Common; and, if so, with what result; and, if no investigation has yet been made, when such is proposed?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)The allegations referred to in the Question are serious indeed, but they are not very definite; and it is precisely because they are not very definite that it is extremely difficult to test them. I have, however, directed that the best investigation possible shall be made; and I am sure the hon. Member will feel that it will be better that I should not describe the steps which will be taken, as publicity 519 would defeat any efforts to discover the truth. I will add that I will welcome information of any specific facts from any quarter that will give a basis to work upon.