HC Deb 17 April 1946 vol 421 cc2664-6
22. Mr. Pritt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why the Special Intelligence Branch is now interrogating large numbers of men at Drigh Road, Karachi, about the incidents which took place there in January last, although they have already been the subject of an official inquiry; and, as official promises of no victimisation have been given, whether he will investigate the allegations which have been put before him of oppression, threats and intimidation employed in these interrogations.

24. Mr. Piratin

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he has considered the letter from an airman stationed in Sind, concerning the method of inquiry as to the alleged leaders of recent demonstrations in the R. A. F., a copy of which letter has been supplied by the hon. Member for Mile End; and if he will make a statement thereon.

Mr. Strachey

An inquiry under the chairmanship of the Inspector General has been held, as the House knows. The results of this inquiry made it necessary to undertake the investigations to which the hon. Members refer, in order to determine whether evidence exists which should be considered by court-martial. Such Service investigations must he carried out in accordance with the King's Bench "Judges' Rules." These are set out in the Manual of Air Force Law, which itself re-emphasises them in paragraph 77. These are the opening words of the paragraph: …it is contrary to the elementary principles of English law to endeavour to trap a man into incriminating himself… In this case the investigators were specially warned before the investigation began of the necessity of keeping strictly to these regulations. Further steps have now been taken to see that this has been done

Mr. Pritt

Has the Minister had time to examine the copious reports I put before him showing the repeated abominable departure from the King's Bench "Judges' Rules" by these investigators, and can he say anything further about taking action on that? And further can he say how these further investigations square with the promises of no victimisation?

Mr. Strachey

I have, of course, studied the reports which the hon. and learned Member has submitted to me, and while I cannot express any view at this stage as to whether the allegations are well founded or not, I have taken the further step of calling the attention of the investigators to the great importance of adhering to the clearly laid down rules.

Mr. Pritt

What about the question of victimisation?

Mr. Piratin

Will the Minister look into the case which has been sent to him and other cases of a similar kind, and inquire into the allegations made about the nature of the investigations, and not leave it alone to the investigators to decide the question?

Mr. Strachey

The allegations submitted to me by my hon. Friend were part of the case which I am bringing to the attention of the authorities in the command concerned.

Mr. Pritt

Will the Minister answer how he squares all this investigation with the promises of no victimisation?

Mr. Strachey

I have seen statements that there has been condonation in the legal term in these cases, but these matters, I take it, are sub judiceand. I could not express any opinion.

Mr. Mikardo

Is the Minister aware that in the case of one of my constituents who was included in this investigation, particulars of which I have sent him, the investigating officer preceded his questions to the airman concerned by a reference to a sentence of 10 years on the airman Cymbalist, which the Under-Secretary told us today has not yet been confirmed?

Mr. Strachey

I said that that sentence, in common with all sentences by court martial for long terms, comes before the Air Council for review.