HC Deb 17 December 1959 vol 615 c1641
44. Mr. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority instructions are given by his Department to stipendiary magistrates never to cross-question any police officer in open court but to deal with them privately in the magistrate's private room.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I cannot trace that any such instructions have ever been given by the Home Office.

Mr. Fletcher

In view of the allegations that were made by Mr. Herbert Malone, a former stipendiary magistrate who retired, may we take it from the Home Secretary's reply that magistrates treat police officers in precisely the same way as all other witnesses?

Mr. Butler

First of all, if Mr. Malone did make these allegations, I can find no confirmation of the truth of them. Secondly, I equally agree that the issue of instructions by the Home Office in the terms suggested by the hon. Member would be improper.