§ 7. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions are given by him or by the Commissioner of Police to the police in the Metropolitan area to prevent any violence to or assaults on persons detained in police stations.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerMetropolitan Police officers know that they must observe the law and that it is an offence under the Police Discipline Regulations for a member of a police force to use unnecessary violence to any prisoner or other person with whom he may be brought into contact in the execution of his duty.
§ Mr. FletcherIn view of the rumours that are prevalent, would the right hon. Gentleman give a categorical assurance that all police officers in all police stations in the Metropolitan area realise that it is no part of their duty in any circumstances to beat up people, whether innocent or guilty, or whether they are to be charged or not, and that it is for the magistrates to administer punishment and not for police officers?
§ Mr. ButlerI think that the fundamental principle which every policeman knows is that a police officer is not above the law because he is a police officer. Like everyone else, he is answerable to the law for his actions. I am satisfied that that is well known by the Metropolitan Police, and I should like to say what confidence I have in their general behaviour.
§ Mr. D. HowellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some similar cases in Birmingham recently the Chief Constable of Birmingham has commend-ably insisted on bringing about prosecutions so that the matter could be dealt with by a third party, which is the magistrates? Is not this the most laudable method of dealing with these complaints in order to restore and maintain public confidence? Would the right hon. Gentleman therefore commend this Chief Constable's action to police officers elsewhere?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. I am quite satisfied that had the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis thought that there was ground for instituting criminal proceedings he would have acted without hesitation. He examined this possibility and rejected it, and I support his decision.