§ 11. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Home Secretary whether any decision has yet been taken regarding the case of ex-Station-Sergeant Goddard and his assistant in the C Division, Metropolitan Police?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONThe enquiries are proceeding with all the despatch possible, and the Commissioner of Police is in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions on the matter. No decision can be come to yet.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why it takes so long to decide whether or not there should be a prosecution in this case, when the Home Secretary has had in his possession for a considerable time £12,000 which he has taken?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONThe hon. Member has forgotten the question which my right hon. Friend answered on this particular point, in reply to himself and the hon. Member for Edgehill (Mr. Hayes) only a few days ago.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI am asking why has it taken so long to decide upon a, prosecution in this case, when the right hon. Gentleman felt so strongly upon it that he appropriated £12,000?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONWho did?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe Home Secretary.
§ Sir V. HENDERSONI am not aware that the Home Secretary appropriated £12,000.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHe said so.
§ Sir V. HENDERSONThe fact that a certain amount of money in the possession of an individual may have been impounded, has nothing to do with the question of whether or not it is possible to prosecute that individual for bribery.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHe impounds the money, holds it for three weeks and is not sure whether he ought to prosecute or not?
§ Mr. HAYESIs the delay, perhaps, due to the fact that the inquiries arising out of this matter will now have to 1893 cover a period of years and issues other than the Goddard issue may possibly arise?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONI think that is quite likely to be the case.