§ 21. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Home Secretary whether he has received from a solicitor, acting on behalf of Bernard Arthur Beagle, of 29, Brook Mews, 1552 Lancaster Gate, London, a copy of a sworn declaration containing allegations regarding the methods adopted by certain specified officers of police in endeavouring to procure from him incriminatory declarations as to a crime committed on 28th July, 1926; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. I have received a copy of the declaration sworn upon 7th June with regard to incidents alleged to have occurred while Beagle was detained in police custody from 13th to 15th February last. I at once communicated with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and have now obtained from him detailed statements by the police officers concerned with regard to what actually occurred. It is not possible for me within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary question to deal fully with the detailed allegations made by Beagle, but I have satisfied myself that his statements are grossly inaccurate. In particular he makes specific allegations against a named officer of oppressive methods during and throughout the night of 13th February, whereas it is conclusively proved that the officer in question did not see him at all until late in the morning of the 14th. Beagle was arrested as a deserter from the Army—a fact not alluded to in his declaration—and his detention from the 13th to the 15th when he was charged before a magistrate was due to his having given false particulars. The crime referred to in the question as having been committed on 28th July, 1926, was what is known as the Bayswater murder, and the fact that Beagle was questioned——
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY"Mr." Beagle.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the hon. and gallant Member will look at his colleague's question, he will see that the "Mr." is not included in the main question. The fact that Bernard Arthur Beagle was questioned with regard to that murder was due entirely to his having volunteered a statement that he was near the scene of the crime at the time when it is supposed to have been committed. From beginning to end the statements in the declaration are denied in toto by the police officers concerned, 1553 and if he wishes to proceed with his charges I can only refer him to his legal remedies.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONSince the right hon. Gentleman is convinced that the statements made in the sworn declaration are grossly inaccurate and untrue, does he propose to take any steps against this man for signing and swearing a false declaration?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is another question altogether. The man has made this declaration, and, as I say, I am informed that it is grossly inaccurate and in most respects false. It is open to him to take any proceedings he likes, either for damages against the police officers who, he alleges, treated him improperly, or to apply to the Commissioner for a disciplinary inquiry. He has already applied to a magistrate, who was sympathetic with him, but who subsequently withdrew his sympathy and would have nothing further to do with him.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWill not an opportunity he afforded for investigating this allegation and all similar allegations against the police when the right hon. Gentleman appoints his Committee to inquire into police methods generally; and can he now say when he intends to appoint that Committee?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe second Commission is standing over, as it was arranged that it should, until after the Report of the Savidge inquiry. After that, I am quite prepared to consult hon. and right hon. Members opposite and the leaders of the Opposition below the Gangway in reference to the terms of that Commission's inquiry, because I want it to be thoroughly satisfactory. In any case, I agree with the hon. Gentleman that this and similar cases might quite properly be inquired into by that tribunal.
§ Mr. DAYIs it the right hon. Gentleman's intention, as this sworn declaration is incorrect, to send the papers to the Public Prosecutor?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSEon. Members must leave the police and myself a certain discretion as to whether we should prosecute in every case when charges are improperly made against them. I have answered the question fully, I am satisfied 1554 that there is no ground for the charges made, and it is for the man himself to bring forward his case in the proper quarter.