HC Deb 12 March 1934 vol 287 cc24-5
52. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Home Secretary whether Scotland Yard regulations preclude a statement of the facts being given to an injured person where a constable has witnessed an accident on the public highway without payment of a fee; whether there is any scale of charges in this regard; and in what circumstances are such charges levied?

53. Sir W. BRASS

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the police authorities charge a fee of 10s. for supplying to a person involved in a motor accident information in possession of the police as to the ownership of the vehicle or the names and addresses of other persons concerned in the accident; and whether he will recommend to the police authorities that such information shall be made available without charge to persons who have reasonable grounds for making inquiries?

Mr. HACKING

Reports of road accidents are made by police to their superior officers for police purposes, the chief purpose being to enable the responsible officers to decide whether proceedings should be instituted by the police against one of the parties involved in the accident. The police have no duty to supply information so collected to other persons for their private purposes, but it is the practice to supply to applicants having a legitimate interest in a case an abstract of the salient facts ascertained by the police, for which a fee of 10s. is charged, or 2s. 6d. if the police are asked to furnish only certain limited particulars. These fees are waived in any case where any hardship would be involved in charging them. It should be remembered that these facilities cannot be furnished without the expenditure of considerable time and trouble on the part of the police; and when they are furnished for the private purposes of individuals who have been involved in accidents, It seems right and proper that the police fund should receive some reimbursement and my right hon. Friend sees no occasion for altering the existing practice.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will my right hon. Friend explain why a payment has to be made to the police force, which is specially maintained for the protection of the public, and will he also say whether fees have to be paid in order that a person who has had his property burgled, if the burglar is apprehended, can obtain his name?

Mr. HACKING

No. The police are paid for specific duties. They are paid out of public funds, and it seems unwise to advocate that public funds should be used to settle a dispute between two private individuals.

Sir W. BRASS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that previously 5s. was charged and full particulars were given, but that at present 10s. is charged and full particulars are not given, and that if more particulars are required, another 10s. is asked by the police?

Mr. HACKING

I have said that if few particulars are required, the charge is only 2s. 6d. It is only when full particulars are provided that the charge is 10s.

Sir W. BRASS

But surely full particulars are necessary?

Mr. HACKING

Full particulars will be provided at a cost of 10s.

Sir W. DAVISON

Surely it is the duty of the police to give any assistance to the public that they can?