§ 37. Mr. Ammonasked the Home Secretary what arrangements exist at Scotland Yard for keeping a watch or check upon police officers who are suspected of offences or against whom any adverse reports or allegations are made?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonIf occasion arises for investigating some offence of which a member of the police force is suspected, the procedure for assigning the investigation to appropriate officers is similar to that followed in regard to any other investigations. There is no group of detective officers whose sole or main duty is to investigate cases where members of the police force are suspected; and a statement recently published by a newspaper that there is a special department at Scotland Yard which was created to keep a watch on police officers is mistaken.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersIs is not a fact that, with a very few exceptions, the conduct of the police during the war has been exemplary, and are not such suggestions as are contained in the Question to be deplored?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is the case, as my hon. Friend says, that the general conduct of the police during the war has been admirable, and they have performed services of great value to the nation.
§ Mr. AmmonIs it possible for my right hon. Friend to take any action against papers that spread such wrong reports about the police?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am afraid not. When I take action against newspapers I find that I am in deep water, and I had better not take that line.