HC Deb 22 February 1951 vol 484 cc1447-8
34. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent telepathy is used for the purpose of detecting crimes.

Mr. Ede

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that from time to time persons professing to possess telepathic powers have offered to help the police in the detection of crime, and that the information given by such persons has been examined in the same way as that of any other person giving information to the police.

Mr. Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend give us some information about the visit of a Dutchman to Scotland Yard, who volunteered to help the police in discovering the Stone of Destiny? Will he tell us if the Dutchman was met by the police, if the jemmy which was used to break open the door of Westminster Abbey was inspected by the Dutchman, and what are the results to date?

Mr. Ede

The gentleman in question, whose activities in connection with the Stone were given publicity, not by the police, was one of a number of selected persons who were given facilities to visit Westminster Abbey and examine clues. He was not invited to this country by the police, his expenses have not been met from public funds, and no results have accrued.

Brigadier Thorp

Does the Question mean that the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) accepts the taking away of the Stone of Destiny as a crime?

Mr. Mikardo

Would my right hon. Friend tell us to what extent telepathy is used by Ministers in foreseeing and anticipating supplementary questions?

Mr. Ede

Most of the supplementaries are fairly obvious when one studies the Questions.

Mr. Hughes

is not the Home Secretary's answer to my first supplementary question a final proof of the failure of private enterprise?