§ 35. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Home Secretary whether he will inform the House of the circumstances in which a police charge which had been recently entered at Tottenham Court Road Police Station has been suspended and forwarded to Scotland Yard?
§ 36. Mr. JOHN WILMOTasked the Home Secretary whether he has caused inquiries to be made as to why a charge regarding an offence against a police constable, made at the Tottenham Court Road Police Station about midnight on Wednesday last, has been withdrawn as a result of representations of a high official at Scotland Yard; and is any further action proposed?
§ Sir J. GILMOURProceedings are being taken against the person who was charged in this case and until these proceedings have been disposed of it would be improper for me to make any statement, since such statement would involve comment on a matter which is sub judice.
§ Sir STAFFORD CRIPPSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has ascertained whether any steps were taken by any officials of Scotland Yard to interfere in any way with the prefering of the charge by the inspector?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am sure that the hon. and learned Gentleman, with his 1813 knowledge of the law, will understand that it would be improper for me to answer as it would involve comment on this case.
§ Sir S. CRIPPSDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean then that a case of prosecution is being brought against the official at Scotland Yard for the interference?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, and I am surprised that the hon. and learned Gentleman should put a question of that nature to me. I have nothing to conceal, and when this case is finished—as I told the House, it is sub judice—I shall answer any question any Member puts to me.
§ Mr. WILMOTMay I ask whether steps were taken to bring the charge before the magistrate in the appropriate court before the person who was on bail was permitted not to surrender to that bail?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have nothing to add to what I have said.