§ 33. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to recent instances where the police have obtained evidence to justify criminal prosecutions by acting in disguise; and whether this action has his approval?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)I have seen references in the Press to three cases in which objection was taken, apparently by the defence, to the methods adopted in obtaining evidence in support of the charge. So far 1357 as I am aware no adverse comment was made by the Court. In one of the cases the proceedings were at the instance of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is sometimes known that offences are being committed, but proof may be obtainable only by resorting to a subterfuge. Whether such methods are justified must depend on the circumstances of the individual case, and I have no doubt that the possibility of unfavourable comment by the Court is sufficient to check any abuse.