HC Deb 17 July 1924 vol 176 cc565-6
16. Mr. LAVERACK

asked the Home Secretary if he proposes to publish the result of the inquiry into ex-Inspector John Syme's case; whether he will also publish the evidence given before the Commissioners; and whether ho will himself cither weigh the evidence advanced and make a decision or arrange an early date in the House to discuss the whole matter?

Mr. HENDERSON

The Report of the Commissioners and the Appendices thereto are being printed, and I hope to present them to Parliament in the course of a few days. It would be impracticable to publish all the material that came before the Commission, as it included very voluminous documents. As regards the latter part of the question, I would point out that the Government in granting an impartial inquiry into this case undertook to abide by the result, and Mr. Syme, on his part, gave a similar undertaking, and, under these circumstances, I fail to see how the matter can be carried further.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is there any truth in the statement appearing in the newspapers that this ex-inspector absolutely refuses to accept the verdict?

Viscountess ASTOR

In what papers?

Mr. THORNE

In several.

Major HORE-BELISHA

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that an appeal tribunal is set up, so that cases of this kind may not occur, and those against whom charges are made may have adequate opportunity of defending themselves?