HC Deb 19 July 1888 vol 328 cc1752-3
MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N.W.)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If he will give a Return of the number of police constables accused of striking women in the last month; and, if his attention has been directed to the statement of Sir Charles Warren, that there were few complaints against the police?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)

I have recently laid on the Table a Return of all charges against police constables during 12 months ending April 24, 1888. It does not contain any case in which a charge against a police constable of assaulting or striking a woman was substantiated. I have no reason to think that the last month would show any different result, so far as charges in Court are concerned; and I would not undertake to give a Return of accusations not made in Court. The Commissioner informs me that there are fewer complaints made against the police now than in former years.