HC Deb 18 March 1937 vol 321 cc2244-5
34. Mr. Naylor

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that recently the police called at the place of work of a member of the Printing Machine Managers' Trade Society, and made inquiries as to the man's wages, hours of work, and general character; that the Commissioner of Police has since admitted that the allegations against the man were unfounded; what was the nature of these allegations; and whether he will give instructions that in such cases the police should not prejudice a man's employment by making inquiries at his place of work?

Sir J. Simon

I have received a report from the Commissioner of Police, and am informed that there is no ground for the suggestion that the police made inquiries as to the man's general character or made any allegations against him, or that the Commissioner has since admitted that such allegations were unfounded. The police were at pains not to prejudice the man's position, and the Commissioner has in fact received an assurance from the man's employers that the police inquiries have not in any way prejudiced his employment.

Mr. Naylor

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why the police officer went to the man's employers instead of to his private address, and say whether such action has his approval?

Sir J. Simon

I think the reason was that what the police wanted to ascertain was where he was employed, and there is no harm in that. I must point out to the hon. Member that I not infrequently get complaints that the police go to people's private houses rather than where they work.

Mr. Naylor

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of inquiries being made at the place where the man works; or would his Department favour instructions being given to police officers that when they have to make inquiries for any reason whatever they should make them at a man's private address, and not at his place of employment?

Sir J. Simon

I think it really must depend upon circumstances in each case. I have made inquiries, and am quite satisfied that the police were discharging their duty in a perfectly proper manner, and I am sure that no harm has been done.