§ 52. Sir P. HARRISasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the treatment of Mr. D. Renshaw, whose house was forcibly entered by plain-clothes detectives on 16th June; whether it is proposed to take proceedings against him; if not, whether he is now in a position to give an explanation for the action taken by the police; and whether some satisfaction is to be given to Mr. Renshaw and his family for the treatment they have been subjected to?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)As the hon. Baronet has been informed, the police action in this case was taken in pursuance of a warrant issued by a Metropolitan police magistrate for the search of the premises. This warrant required the police officer, to whom it was addressed, with such assistance as he might find necessary, to effect an entry, if necessary, by force. As the police approached the house the gate was shut against them, and it was necessary for them to effect a forcible entry. They were obstructed by members of the Renshaw family, with the result that one of the persons on the premises, Leonard Renshaw, got away. It is intended, if possible, to take proceedings against him, and the police are anxious to get into touch with him.
§ Sir P. HARRISIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this happened three weeks ago, and that the door was forced open without any resistance, if my information is correct? If the police intend 852 to take proceedings, why should there have been all this delay?