§ 27. Mr. Willeyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will appoint a committee to inquire into the extent to which amendment is required in the law relating to the taking of statements, regarding alleged crimes, by police officers.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerNo, Sir, I do not consider that such an inquiry is necessary.
§ Mr. WilleyWhile I do not seek to reflect at all on the conduct of the police, is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of evidence that the practice of the police in taking statements has changed a great deal over the past few years, that it has caused a good deal of public concern and that it would be as well if the whole matter could be reviewed?
§ Mr. ButlerIn the course of my normal duties I have had a look at the operation of what are described as the Judges' Rules, and I cannot find any reason, to date at any rate, for any review such as is suggested by the hon. Member. If the procedure of the Judges' Rules, which is carefully laid down, is not followed in all cases, it is open to the defence to challenge the statement, and for the court to consider whether it is admissible. That would deal with a particular case; but, in general, the Judges' Rules are well understood and, I think, faithfully observed.