§ 12. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered a letter from ex-Constable Perrins in connection with an incident reflecting on the ex-constable's character, sent to him by the hon. Member for East Fife; and has he any statement to make.
§ Mr. EdeYes, Sir. I have considered this letter and replied to it on 14th 569 November. As I said in my reply, I have gone fully into the case of ex-Police Constable Perrins, but I have not been able to find any grounds which would warrant any further action on my part.
§ Mr. GallacherHas the Minister not considered the letter in which it is made clear that at a social gathering a few weeks ago this man was pointed out as a thief, on the basis of a charge that was made against him by the Chief Constable several years ago? Is nothing to be done to remove the stigma from this man?
§ Mr. EdeIf an unjustifiable accusation is made against this man he has his own remedies, but that cannot be used as a reason why 1 should reopen a decision which was reached some time ago, in the period of office of one of my predecessors. It was debated in this House on the Adjournment on 28th March, 1944. I would point out that when the case was reheard this man was represented by counsel.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise this matter again on the Adjournment.