§ 37. Mr. Dayasked the Home Secretary whether he will give particulars of the constitution of the Metropolitan police disciplinary board; and will he consider the appointment of some independent persons other than police officers, and state if the present regulations give an accused officer the opportunity of being legally represented, and what further changes are contemplated in the method of procedure?
§ Sir S. HoareThe disciplinary authority for the Metropolitan Police Force is the Commissioner, and from time to time he appoints discipline boards consisting of three members, a president of rank not less than deputy-assistant commissioner, a deputy-assistant commissioner or chief constable, and a superintendent, who exercise delegated powers on his behalf. In these circumstances it would be inappropriate to appoint persons who are not members of the Force. The present regulations allow a defaulter to have another member of the Force as friend to assist him, but not to have a legal representative. In exceptional cases, however, arrangements are made to have a legal adviser present for the purpose of advising both the president of the board and the defaulter. No change in procedure is contemplated at present.
§ Mr. DayWill the right hon. Gentleman have a full shorthand report taken in exceptional cases, so that the officers can have a copy of it?
§ Sir S. HoareThe hon. Member had better put that question down.