HC Deb 15 November 1956 vol 560 cc1123-4
36. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now review the methods employed by the Metropolitan Police forces in selecting individuals for identification parades and the procedure adopted at such parades with the object of preventing the injustices which have arisen in recent cases.

Mr. Deedes

There is no ground for suggesting that procedure in connection with identification parades has caused injustice in recent cases. The existing instructions issued by the Commissioner of Police provide all proper safeguards and my right hon. and gallant Friend sees no reason for reviewing them.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that, contrary to the view he has expressed, many barristers at the Criminal Bar think that there are many such cases which it is very difficult to bring to light? Will he not make representations to his right hon. and gallant Friend at least to see whether an improvement in the procedure may be brought about to lessen the number of these cases?

Mr. Deedes

My right hon. and gallant Friend has already answered the hon. Member on this subject and has given assurances as to the conduct of these parades, which lead him to believe that no review is necessary.