§ 62. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked the Home Secretary if he has referred a petition for an inquiry into the dismissal pf ex-Police Constable Edwards from the Isle of Wight constabulary to the Standing Joint Committee for the Isle of Wight to deal with; and, if so, will he state whether on such reference it was intended that the Standing Joint Committee should deal with the matter by way of the usual inquiry, at which it would be competent. for Edwards to give evidence on his own behalf, to 'call witnesses, and to be legally represented, as is usual in such cases?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The petition in question was referred to the Standing Joint Committee as the local authority responsible for the: management of the county police in order that they might make inquiry into the facts alleged. It is for the Committee to decide in what manner the inquiry should be conducted. No doubt they will hear Edwards and his witnesses, but it would be unusual to have legal representatives in such an inquiry.
§ Mr. DOUGLAS HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware an enormous amount of excitement and interest is felt in the Isle of Wight in this case of alleged injustice?' Cannot he see his way to give some advice to the Joint Committee how to act in this matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf they ask for assistance in the matter I shall be quite willing to help them as far as I can.