§ 60. Mr. DIXEYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of the St. Helen's Watch Committee in a recent case arising out of the strike; whether he is aware that the Chief Constable of St. Helen's was entirely ignored during the inquiry; and if the inquiry was in accordance with Home Office Rules and Regulations?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am making inquiry, but until I have received a full report I shall not be in a position to say anything further.
§ Mr. SEXTONWould it surprise the right hon. Gentleman to know that there is not the slightest foundation for this suggestion, but that he was at the inquiry when the case was dealt with and that he refused to give evidence? That is the evidence that I have.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir, nothing would surprise me. I have said nothing at all as to the accuracy of the statement made in this question; all that 388 I have said is that I have asked for a report, and when I get it I shall be in a position to answer the question.
§ Mr. SEXTONWhen the right hon. Gentleman has the report, will he also make his own inquiries into the conduct of this Chief Constable during the riot?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think I had better get the report—it will be the report of the Watch Committee—first, and then consider the report.
§ Mr. HAYESIs it not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has already had a report, in which it is disclosed that the Chief Constable was in fact present during the Watch Committee's inquiry?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs to that I personally cannot say. I thought it right, in consequence of this question, to ask for a full report on the whole matter from St. Helen's, and until I get it I cannot say anything further.
§ Commander O. LOCKER-LAMPSONIs there a right of appeal against the Watch Committee's decision?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir.