HC Deb 30 July 1936 vol 315 cc1712-3
48. Mr. GROVES

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a motor car belonging to Mr. B. S. Martin, of Leytonstone Road, Stratford, E., was stolen and used by the bandits in connection with the recent bullion raid in London, and that the police, in order to obtain the finger-prints necessary, cut cushions and removed a window and many of the operating handles of the electrical equipment, and returned the car to its owner without rectifying the damage; and whether he will give instructions for the cost of repairs to be charged to the police fund?

Mr. LLOYD

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the car in question was returned to the owner in the condition in which it was when it came into the hands of the police. It had been damaged by those who stole it, but no further damage was done in obtaining photographs of finger prints. In these circumstances no question arises of charging the cost of repairs to the police fund.

Mr. GROVES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the owner of the car had to apply to the court for its return; that the local magistrates expressed the opinion that the police ought to supply him with another car or else send his own back to him at once, and said that unless something was done he would order the car to be returned at once; and will the hon. Gentleman look into the matter further in view of these facts, as the owner of the car has been put to considerable expense?

Mr. LLOYD

I was not aware of those circumstances and I shall certainly look into the matter.