§ 20. Sir John Mellorasked the Home Secretary whether any and what instructions are given to police authorities as to the right to examination by an independent doctor of a man detained on a charge of driving a motor car while under the influence of drink?
§ Sir S. HoareAll police forces have instructions that if a prisoner in custody on a charge involving drunkenness desires to be examined by a doctor selected by himself, the request is to be complied with, on the understanding that the prisoner will be responsible for the doctor's fee.
§ Sir J. MellorIs the prisoner informed of his right to this examination at the time it is decided to send for the police surgeon, and will my right hon. Friend agree that it is most important that, if possible, an independent doctor should be present at the time of the examination by the police surgeon?
§ Sir S. HoareI am not sure whether that is the case or not. I think that I had better have notice of the question.