§ 88. Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a case, tried on 2nd December at the Old Street Police Court, in which a man named Chapman was charged with assaulting two police constables, Weatherell and Smith; whether he is aware that the prisoner stated that one of the policemen pushed against his wife and called her an offensive name, and that she struck him with her umbrella and the policeman knocked her down; and whether, seeing that the magistrate dismissed the case, saying that he was satisfied that the prisoner's version was the correct one, he will say what steps he is taking as to the retention of police constables Weatherell and Smith in the police force?
§ Mr. McKENNAAn inquiry into the conduct, of the two officers is being made by the Disciplinary Board, and while this inquiry is proceeding, I can say nothing with regard to the case.
§ Mr. BOWERMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Chapman is a most respectable citizen working at one of our daily newspapers; that he and his wife and child were waiting on Sunday night for a tramcar when the assault was committed, and will he make inquiries with a view to some reparation being made?
§ Mr. McKENNAIt would be premature for me to say anything on the case until an inquiry has been held.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman give us the name of the Police Court magistrate?
§ Mr. McKENNANo; I cannot without notice.