HC Deb 25 March 1948 vol 448 cc3316-7
10. Sir David Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered the case of the young Streatham girl in the A.T.S., who was wrongfully suspected of theft and subjected to an examination by the police which savoured of third degree; and what steps he intends to take to prevent similar abuses in future.

Mr. Ede

This incident involved the Wiltshire Constabulary, and the matter is not, therefore, one in which I have any direct responsibility. I have, however, communicated with the Chief Constable of Wiltshire, who denies that the interview took the form suggested in the Question: I am considering his report and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

Sir D. Robertson

Is it not a fact that this young woman was placed in a chair in a room without witnesses while a policewoman kept walking around her hurling at her allegations that she had committed a crime which, of course, she did not commit; and that, as a result, the girl's health broke down and she had to go to hospital? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps —whether or not it is his direct responsibility—to make sure that no British citizen is treated in this fashion in future by any police force?

Mr. Ede

The allegations made by the hon. Gentleman in the first part of his supplementary question have been denied by the Chief Constable of Wiltshire. I am investigating the allegations and the denials, and I promise to let the hon. Gentleman know the result of my investigations.

Sir D. Robertson

The facts which I gave in my Question and in my supplementary have been confirmed by the War Office.

Mr. Ede

As I told the hon. Gentleman, I am investigating the statements. I have no direct responsibility for this case at all.