HC Deb 26 November 1925 vol 188 cc1583-5
37. Mr. HAYES

asked the Home Secretary the nature of the disciplinary charges made arising out of the inquiry held into the arrest of Major Sheppard; the results of the disciplinary proceedings; and when the House will have an opportunity of considering the Report and his action thereon?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Five officers were charged with giving unsatisfactory evidence at the inquiry. Three were found free from blame and two guilty. Against these two there was also a charge of failing to bring a request of Major Sheppard to the notice of the inspector, but the Discipline Board found that this could not be sustained. These two officers have been reprimanded and cautioned, and I understand will be transferred. One of the other officers was charged with incorrect entries in the bail book and one with failure to bring a request to the notice of the inspector. Both were found free from blame. If there is a general desire that the Report and the action taken thereon should be discussed, representations should be made through the usual channels.

Mr. HAYES

Does the Homo Secretary propose to introduce a Bill to indemnify these officers in the same way as the Bill was brought in to indemnify the Home Secretaries and Attornies-General?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I must have notice of that question.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the day that we adjourned, before rising for the summer holidays, the Home Secretary gave a definite promise that this report would be discussed by the House of Commons, and, that being the case, will he take steps to see that the promise is fulfilled?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I am sure that any promise made by the Home Secretary will be carried out, and if representations were made through the usual channels, I have no doubt that the opportunity would be provided.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Has Major Sheppard made an application for his expenses in connection with this inquiry, and what was the decision of the Home Secretary?

Mr. SPEAKER

That has no connection with the question on the Paper

38. Mr. HAYES

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the man who was alleged guilty of the offence for which Major Sheppard was arrested has protested his innocence, and that he has never been tried for the offence although officially accused of it; and whether he will be accorded a proper trial if he applies for one?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The man referred to was believed to have committed during his short period of liberty some 27 or 28 offences, besides the six of which he was convicted. I do not know precisely what his attitude was in regard to these cases, but I should not attach much weight to his protestation of innocence. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. HAYES

Is it not the common law of the land that a man who is alleged to be guilty of felony shall have a right to trial in a Court of Justice, in order that the allegation against him may be proved or disproved?

Mr. AMMON

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be in the interests of Major Sheppard that this man should be prosecuted?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

As a matter of fact, this was never made a charge at all.

Mr. HAYES

May I ask whether this man did not, in fact, apply to the right hon. and learned Gentleman holding the inquiry for his case to be stated, and that he was not given permission to attend before the inquiry?

Mr. MACPHERSON

In view of the fact that this man, I understand, has already had six years' imprisonment or penal servitude, is this charge to hang over him? Is he or is he not to be tried?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

This particular offence was not made the subject of a charge. Therefore, it cannot be hanging over him.