HC Deb 22 April 1937 vol 322 cc1896-7
20. Miss Ward

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to ensure that, where the assistance of Scotland Yard is sought by Government Departments, all vital information accumulated by Scotland Yard should be made available to the Department concerned?

Sir J. Simon

I am not aware of any case which would call for action such as my hon. Friend suggests. In the case which I understand she has in mind, the Department concerned, which is not the Home Office, is satisfied that the police gave it all the information they had.

Miss Ward

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case referred to the Admiralty officials were ringing up Scotland Yard practically every day, and that vital information was withheld by Scotland Yard? Will he reconsider the statement he has just made?

Sir J. Simon

Do I understand my hon. Friend to say that information was withheld by Scotland Yard?

Miss Ward

Information was withheld from the Admiralty by Scotland Yard when they telephoned in connection with the disappearance of a naval boy. Scotland Yard withheld information which was either in their possession or in the possession of the local police who were in communication with Scotland Yard.

Sir J. Simon

I was anxious to ascertain whether my hon. Friend has any complaint against my Department. I do not think she has any ground for complaint against my Department. The Admiralty are satisfied that the police gave them all the information they had.

Miss Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have a letter from the Admiralty stating that they were not in possession of all the facts? Otherwise my right hon. Friend knows that I would not have put down this question.

Sir J. Simon

If my hon. Friend will let me see the letter I shall be glad to deal with it. I think Scotland Yard gave all the information it had, but it cannot be held responsible if it does not know all the facts.