HC Deb 09 July 1931 vol 254 cc2244-5
17. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Home Secretary whether an inquiry has been held into the charges of bribery against sections of the West End divisions of the Metropolitan Police; and what disciplinary action, if any, has already been taken?

19. Mr. HANNON

asked the Home Secretary if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which certain Metropolitan Police officers have been suspended from duty during the past fortnight?

Mr. CLYNES

The matters in question are still under investigation, and no cases have as yet been dealt with by the Discipline Board. For the pre- sent, therefore, I must confine myself to saying that an inspector and 23 constables have been suspended from duty pending the investigation of the allegations made against them of corrupt dealings with bookmakers and street traders.

Mr. HANNON

Arising out of Question No. 19, can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to give the House information as to the results of these investigations?

Mr. CLYNES

The investigations are proceeding. A premature statement might prejudice the interests of those concerned and arouse unfounded suspicions, but I can assure the House that as soon as information is available it will be tendered.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Are the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has just stated the total number or is he anticipating any more?

Mr. CLYNES

I cannot say absolutely, but this is the limit of the number up to date from the information which I have received.

Mr. DAY

Can my right hon. Friend say if this is the largest number of suspensions that has ever taken place on any single occasion?

Mr. BECKETT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when this tribunal is held, it will be open to receive evidence of other complaints of this kind made during the last 12 or 18 months?

Mr. CLYNES

I think that my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. If a definite complaint is lodged against a constable and evidence is tendered to support it, investigations proceed in the ordinary way.

Mr. BECKETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that usually when a complaint like that is made the reply is given that nothing can be done until after police court action?

Mr. CLYNES

That is not the usual reply.

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