§ 7. Mr. McGOVERNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names and rank of the police officers who have been suspended from the Coatbridge police force and the reasons for suspension; whether his attention has been drawn to the attempt to set up an inquiry by the chief constable, who proposed to act as chairman, to inquire into the allegations made against himself; and whether he will set up an independent judicial inquiry with a view to allaying the unrest and suspicion in the Coatbridge police force?
§ Sir G. COLLINSMy attention has been drawn to this case. I am informed that the police officers concerned have raised an action for suspension and interdict against the chief constable in the Court of Session and that an interim interdict was granted on the 11th instant. In the circumstances I cannot make any statement at present.
§ Mr. McGOVERNCan the right hon. Gentleman not himself institute an inquiry into the whole proceeding?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNot until the judgment has been given, and until further facts are forthcoming.
§ Mr. BARRReferring to the original question, may I ask whether Coatbridge has been annexed by the Shettleston Division of Glasgow, and whether the hon. Member might not be directed to confer upon this matter with the hon. Member for Coatbridge?