§ 2. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there are any regulations in the Metropolitan Police Force from which police officers understand that they may give their evidence in the police court from notes that they take in their books; and, if so, will he consider having this rule cancelled?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)No, Sir. The instructions are to the contrary effect—that is to say, the constable must not read his evidence from his note book but may refer to his original notes in his book if necessary to refresh his memory.
§ Mr. DAYHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the remarks of the learned stipendiary-magistrate, last week, where he asked a constable not to read evidence from a notebook?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is consistent with the statement I have made as to the way in which he ought to give evidence. The proper practice in regard to giving evidence is laid down in police instructions. In giving his evidence, if the officer desires to refresh, his memory and he has any notes, he may refer to them for that purpose.