§ 6. Mr. William Wellsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances it is the practice of the police to disclose to parties interested the statements made by eye witnesses of road accidents; and what directions or advice on the matter have been issued by his Department.
§ Mr. EdeWhile it is the practice of the police to furnish interested parties with certain information, including the names and addresses of witnesses of traffic accidents, a copy of a witness's statement is, normally supplied only to the person who made the statement or to his accredited representative. The decision in any particular case must, however, necessarily be within the discretion of the chief officer of police concerned, in the light of the particular circumstances. The present practice is based on the recommendations of a committee which considered the matter in 1932, and on advice issued by the Home Office at that time.