HC Deb 18 July 1922 vol 156 cc1898-9
29. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSON

asked 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. SHORTT

Inspector 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, 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. THOMSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question, which raises the general practice, and not a particular case?

Mr. SHORTT

It is a pure matter of the circumstances of each case. In some cases it is right, and in some cases wrong.

Captain BENN

When 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. SHORTT

That question should not be addressed to me.