§ 24. Mr. McGovernasked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been drawn to the allegations made by Israel Jakubowicz, a Belgian subject, who was handed over to the police at Gourock after being rescued from the steamship "Volenden," that was torpedoed in the Atlantic, stating that the Gourock police beat him up so badly that he became unconscious; that the police refused to send for a doctor or notify the Belgian Ambassador; that a soldier was brought in with rifle and bayonet and threatened to shoot him as a spy; that he has been released, after inquiry, and is at present in Glasgow; whether he will initiate an independent inquiry into the conduct of the Gourock police; and, in view of the fact that seven other refugee witnesses saw these brutal assaults, suspend from duty meantime the police officials who were responsible?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Ernest Brown)This case has been reported to my right hon. Friend the Lord Advocate, and is at present under investigation.
§ Mr. McGovernWill the right hon. Gentleman asked his right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate to see that the inquiry is not undertaken by the police, who are accused of the offence?
§ Mr. BrownMy right hon. Friend will conduct the inquiry in the manner best suited to the public interest and the interests of the persons by whom the allegation is made.
§ Mr. McGovernIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in past allegations a great deal of trouble has been caused by the police, who were the accused, being asked to undertake the inquiry? Will he see that an independent inquiry is undertaken in order to get at the truth of the matter?
§ Mr. BrownI will not add anything to what I have already said, but the remarks of the hon. Member will be brought to the notice of my right hon. and learned Friend.