§ 37. . Mr. HAYES. asked the Home Secretary whether ex-Inspector John Carter, Metropolitan Police, prior to being placed on retirement, submitted a report to the Commissioner of Police, New Scotland Yard, containing allegations against his superior officers; if so, what is the nature of the allegations; whether they were inquired into; whether ex-Inspector Carter was called upon to substantiate them; and, if so, with what result?
§ Sir W. J0YNSON-HICKSPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. HAYESYes, if;the answer will probably be that the right hon. Gentleman will be prepared to receive one or two Members and myself who are interested in this matter.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes; I have never refused to see either the hon. Member or any other Member of the House.
§ Mr. HAYESWithout the right hon. Gentleman having previously made up his mind definitely to refuse?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have always an open mind.
§ Following is the answer.
§ In 1918 Carter submitted a report to the then Commissioner in which his main complaint was against an order the Commissioner had issued that any inspectors employed in testing drivers of cabs and omnibuses must hold a satisfactory certificate of competency in motor engineering. The report also contained references to superior officers which amounted to accusations of incompetence or inattention to their duties; an allegation that Carter had been victimised because he had asked for promotion; and threats of the action he would take if the Commissioner did not withdraw his order. Carter's allegations were not.
1124§ made the subject of any formal inquiry, as the work of the officers to whom they referred was perfectly well known to the Commissioner. As already explained, in reply to previous questions, the Commissioner decided to allow Carter to retire on pension, and in view of the insubordinate attitude which he had taken up I think that this was the most considerate treatment which he could have been afforded.