29. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Home Secretary whether the statement of nspector Wyles contained in the Paper which he recently laid upon the Table of the House was made direct to the Commissioner of Police or through the inspector's immediate superior officer; and is it in accordance with police discipline for subordinate officers to communicate with headquarters except through their immediate superior officers?
§ Mr. SHORTTInspector Wyles' statement was made to the Assistant Commissioner charged with the immediate control of the branch which administers the women police. As I stated last Tuesday, 1899 the whole matter will form the subject of disciplinary inquiry; and it is not desirable that I should offer any comment at the present stage.
Mr. THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question, which raises the general practice, and not a particular case?
§ Mr. SHORTTIt is a pure matter of the circumstances of each case. In some cases it is right, and in some cases wrong.
Captain BENNWhen the inquiry is completed, will the House have an opportunity of reviewing its decision, which was so much influenced by the statements of the Home Secretary?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat question should not be addressed to me.