HC Deb 11 July 1928 vol 219 cc2241-3
60. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Home Secretary what action, if any, he proposes to take in respect to Constables Badger and Maclean of the Hyde Park Police?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to be hon. Member for the Edge Hill Division of Liverpool (Mr. Hayes) on the 5th instant, to which I am not yet in a, position to add anything further.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Did not the right hon. Gentleman then say that he was waiting for the Report of what is known as the Savidge Commission, and did he not earlier say that the case of these two constables was quite distinct from the matters arising out of the Savidge Commission? Why cannot he give an answer in reference to these two men?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I said on the last occasion that it would be only respectful to a Judicial Commission of that kind not to arrive at any decision in regard to these constables, without waiting for their Report. There is a question to be put by the right hon. Gentleman who is leading the Opposition, in regard to the Savidge Report, which I shall answer.

Lieut-Commander KENWORTHY

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that he admitted that the Savidge Commission was in no way a re-trial of the original Hyde Park prosecution? In that case, is it fair to these two constables that that fate should be left in suspense?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I quite agree that it was not a re-trial in any sense of the term, but, having an important Commission investigating certain facts which arose, I will not say directly out of but in consequence of the previous matter, it would be more respectful to them to wait and see whether there is any reference to this matter, after which I hope to make up my mind and to deal with the police case within a very few hours.

Mr. HAYES

If I put down a question on the subject to-morrow, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will be able to give an answer?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. Perhaps the hon. Member will leave his question until to-morrow.

Mr. MORRIS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any question at all of taking proceedings against these two officers for perjury?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That question, if I may repectfully say so, is premature.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these two constables are still at work?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Yes.