§ 25. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary the number of police officers who have 541 appealed to him against the findings of the disciplinary board during the three years ended to the last convenient date; and in how many cases those officers who have appeared before such board during the same period were legally represented?
§ Sir J. SIMONDuring the three years ended on 31st ultimo 14 members of the Metropolitan Police Force appealed to me from decisions of the Discipline Board under the Police (Appeals) Act, 1927. None of them had legal aid when appearing before the Discipline Board.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these men were given the opportunity to have legal representatives with them when they appeared before him?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am quite certain that any legal aid wanted could be available, but I think we may assume that before the Discipline Board the officer in question, who very naturally appears, is very often assisted by one of his colleagues and that the matter will be settled there in the ordinary way.
§ Mr. J. HALLHow many of these appeals were successful?
§ Sir J. SIMONDoes the hon. Member mean appeals to the Home Secretary?
§ Sir J. SIMONI will gladly answer that question if the hon. Member will put it down. Some have been successful and some have not, but I could not now give the figures.