HC Deb 23 May 1906 vol 157 cc1294-6
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the recent disclosures as to the methods of administration of the Dublin Metropolitan Police Force, he will reconsider his refusal to issue in Ireland the circular recently issued in England pointing out to all policemen that their duty is to state all facts in favour of an accused person as well as facts against; and, if not, whether he will state the reasons which induce him to refuse the request.

MR. BRYCE

I have already informed the hon. Member that I have seen the instructions upon this point contained in the official regulations to both the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police. These instructions appear to me to be quite explicit and satisfactory. They convey in the plainest and most direct manner to the police their duty to state everything and suppress nothing which can be in favour of an accused person, showing no bias or malice. I am not aware that any necessity exists for calling further attention to these instructions.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar instructions to the London police are reissued from time to time?

MR. BRYCE

And if it be necessary no doubt a similar course will be pursued in Dublin.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

On behalf of the hon. Member for Dublin County, N., I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the inquiry into the issuing of a circular urging certain inspectors of the Dublin Metropolitan Police to make cases against licensed traders has concluded, and, if so, what is the result; and whether he will state the name of the officer or officers whose conduct was the subject of investigation.

MR. BRYCE

It has been ascertained that a confidential memorandum—not a circular—was sent more than a year ago by a superintendent in the Dublin Metropolitan Police to three inspectors only of that force, giving directions as to the discharge of a branch of their duties, but as the whole matter was confidential, it would be entirely contrary to usage to state the names of the officers concerned.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give me the name of the superintendent?

MR. BRYCE

No, Sir.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I may give it to the right hon. Gentleman shortly.

MR. BRYCE

The circular got into the Press most improperly.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Perhaps you will promote the man now.