HC Deb 29 May 1936 vol 312 cc2386-7
21. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he will consider affording officers of the Metropolitan and provincial police forces the right of being heard either in person and/or legally represented in any appeals they make to him against decisions in which they have been dismissed or asked to resign?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

Under the Police (Appeals) Act, 1927, it is within the discretion of the Secretary of State to deter mine an appeal without the taking of oral evidence at an inquiry, and my right hon. Friend sees no ground for pro posing any amendment of this provision.

Mr. DAY

Is there any reason why a police officer should not be legally re presented?

Mr. LLOYD

The Act contemplates the existence of cases in which it might not be necessary to have a formal inquiry. I think common sense would also agree that in such cases it is not necessary.

Mr. DAY

Cannot a man charged in this way have the right to be legally represented?

Mr. LLOYD

In proper cases.

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