§ 57. Mr. BECKETTasked the Home Secretary how many complaints were made in 1928 and 1929 of offensive behaviour or victimisation against officers attached to the Vine Street and Bow Street divisions?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe figures for the years 1928 and 1929 were respectively, for C Division, 28 and 28; and for E Division, 13 and 16.
§ Mr. BECKETTIn view of the considerable number of complaints—and very few people take the trouble to make a complaint—is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that the conduct of these two divisions is all that it should be?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the population in the divisions, and the number of men concerned, the number of complaints is not considerable.
Earl WINTERTONIs it the fact that frequently members of the public are very offensive to the police?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes, that is so.
§ Mr. BECKETTI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House at the first opportunity.
§ Sir HERBERT SAMUELCould the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these complaints were substantiated? Were they all substantiated?
§ Mr. CLYNESWithout notice I could not say.
§ 60. Mr. BECKETTasked the Home Secretary what action, if any, has been taken in respect of complaints received during 1928 or 1929 of officers attached to the Bow Street or Vine Street divisions soliciting or accepting bribes?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn the divisions referred to, in 1928, one officer was dismissed, two required to resign, and one transferred, and in 1929, four officers were dismissed, as a result of complaints of soliciting or accepting bribes.
§ Mr. BECKETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these two divisions are becoming a by-word for this kind of thing, and cannot he have an inquiry into the whole matter?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am not aware of any such impression, except in the mind of the hon. Member.