HC Deb 04 March 1937 vol 321 cc520-1
27. Mr. Dobbie

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the action of a chief constable who has suspended from duty an official of the Police Federation Branch Board for failing to produce the minute book of the board's proceedings and to disclose the names of the men taking part in the board's discussions; and whether he will issue a circular to chief constables and the Police Federation, defining the position of federation officials in relation to such matters arising out of the constitution of the Police Federation as established by the Police Act, 1919?

Sir J. Simon

I think the hon. Member's question relates to a case in the Tyne River police force which has come to my notice. I have made some inquiry with regard to the circumstances, and I consider that the chief constable was fully justified in what he did. The general position regarding the management of the affairs of the Police Federation by the committee and officers of the federation is, I am sure, well understood by chief constables. The management of the federation, within its statutory constitution, is in the hands of the men themselves, and chief officers of police do not probe into the conduct of the ordinary business: but the position of federation officials gives them no right to withhold information when inquiry is being made with a view to determining whether an offence against the police discipline code or the criminal law has been committed.

Mr. Dobbie

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation or a petition from the branch board in order to inquire into this and other matters relative to the powers and functions of the board?

Sir J. Simon

I do not think that there is any doubt as to the functions of the board. The circumstances of this case were special. If the hon. Gentleman would like to communicate with me, I will gladly discuss them with him.

Mr. N. Maclean

Is it the case that a chief constable or inspector has a right to examine the minutes of the Federation Branch Board which is situated in the police station?

Sir J. Simon

I understand that, generally speaking, that would not be so. The chief constable certainly would not be exercising his ordinary duties in examining the minutes of a federation meeting merely because it has taken place at the police station. If, however, there is a special inquiry based on a suspicion that there may be an offence against the law, everybody, of course, is required to give the necessary information.