HC Deb 18 April 1957 vol 568 cc2087-8
26. Mr. Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what inquiry is made by his Department, when an officer of the Metropolitan police has been convicted for such offences as breaking and entering and larceny, into cases in which the same officer has previously given evidence for the Crown against persons convicted of like offences.

Mr. Simon

An inquiry is ordered by the Commissioner of Police where the circumstances give grounds for any suspicion that an injustice may have been done in earlier cases.

Mr. Allaun

While thanking the Joint Under-Secretary for that Answer, may I ask him if he is aware that there have been several cases recently in which great suspicion has been aroused that convicted police officers have pinned the guilt for their previous crimes on innocent persons and even those who, to use the common phrase, are known to the police?

Mr. Simon

Apart from the two cases which are sub judice, I have not got in mind the cases to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but if he would care to send details to me I will certainly have them looked into.

Sir L. Plummer

May I ask the Minister whether such an inquiry was inaugurated when a member of Metropolitan Police, giving evidence in a case in which a man who was then a Member of this House was concerned, confessed in the witness box that he had committed perjury and fainted? Was there an inquiry in that case, and is that man still in the force?

Mr. Simon

I have not got that case in mind, and I should be grateful if the hon. Member will give me further details.