§ 8. Mr. MAXTON (for Mr. McGOVERN)asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a complaint has been lodged with the fiscal at Hamilton alleging that Alexander Shields had been beaten up by the police in a cell at Hallside Police Station;if he is aware that Shields had to be treated by his medical adviser for over two weeks as a result of the severe mauling received at the hands of the police; and whether he will set up a public inquiry into the running of the police force of Lanarkshire, and also dismiss Chief Constable Keith from office?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Jamieson)The complaint lodged with the Procurator-Fiscal related to a baton assault alleged to have been committed upon Shields in the street and not in a police station. I am informed that Shields was unfit for work for some time because of an injury inflicted by a police baton used in the street in the course of Shield's apprehension on a charge of breach of the peace. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend has no power to take action of the kind suggested. The Lanarkshire police authority is the statutory disciplinary authority in relation to the chief constable.
§ Mr. MAXTONBut surely there is power in the Scottish Office to inquire into the conduct of any local police force?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEThe police authority is the authority which has to deal with the chief constable.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the Scottish Office have the last word in the appointment of any chief constable in Scotland?
§ The LORD ADVOCATENo, Sir.
§ 10. Mr. MAXTON(for Mr. McGOVERN) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the death by drowning of John Burns, who was alleged to be taking coal from No. 1 Newton Colliery, near Cambuslang, if he is aware that Constable Teller, when in pursuit, took off his helmet and tunic in order to enter the water of the River Clyde, but that John Burns was carried away by the water and drowned; and if he intends to set up a public inquiry into this man's death?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEMy attention has been drawn to the death of a man named Robert Nicholson Burns by drowning under the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. Inquiries are being made into the occurrence and consideration will be given to the desirability of holding a fatal accident inquiry when a full report of the facts has been obtained.
§ Mr. MAXTONHaving regard to this question and the previous one, will the hon. and learned Gentleman advise his right hon. Friend to make full inquiry into the whole treatment of the civil population by the Lanarkshire police, in view of the two very grave allegations that are made in these two questions and many other happenings throughout Lanark?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEThat matter does not seem to arise on this question, but I will convey to my right hon. Friend what the hon. Member has said.