HC Deb 10 December 1953 vol 521 cc2148-9
3. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has given to Metropolitan police officers regarding the taking of statements from persons in cases of murder and other serious crimes.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

The General Orders of the Metropolitan police, and the instructions given in the Metropolitan police training schools, are directed towards ensuring that there shall be strict compliance with the provisions of the Judges' Rules relating to the questioning by police officers of persons suspected or in custody.

Mr. Willey

Does the guidance include reference to the recommendations of the Royal Commission of 1929, and does the right hon. and learned Gentleman appreciate that this is a matter of importance not only to the accused but also in order to obviate any allegations against the police?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I do appreciate that, and if the hon. Member is at all interested he may care to read what I said myself when I last had an opportunity of discussing the matter.

4. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the use of the tape-recording machine in the taking by Metropolitan Police officers of statements from persons in custody.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have considered this suggestion, but can find no sufficient ground to warrant its adoption. Among other practical objections is the difficulty of proving that a voice heard on a recording machine was the voice of the person in custody. Moreover, a recorded voice would be open to the same objection as that sometimes taken to written statements, namely, that it had been obtained under duress or by threats or inducements applied beforehand.

Mr. Willey

While fully appreciating what the right hon. Gentleman has said, may I ask whether he realises that in some police quarters the suggestion is approved, and will he keep it under review to see whether it would be worth while to carry out experiments?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I will certainly keep it under review, and if the hon. Member has any suggestion for obviating the practical difficulties I will willingly consider it.