HC Deb 17 March 1960 vol 619 cc1461-2
21. Mr. Gordon Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority the Metropolitan Police confiscated a pack of cards and about two shillings in threepenny bits from four members of the Scottish Boxing Association at London Airport on 9th March; and whether he will cause this property to be returned to its owners.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The Metropolitan Police were not concerned in any such incident.

Mr. Gordon Walker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since these events happened in the Metropolitan Police area and were carried out, apparently, by a police force with ranks very similar to or, indeed, identical with those of the Metropolitan Police, the Press reports inevitably brought the Metropolitan Police into quite undeserved discredit? As this could affect the relationship between the police and the public, will the right hon. Gentleman consider asking the Royal Commission to look into this question of independent police forces, which are not under his control, in the Metropolitan Police area for which he is the police authority?

Mr. Butler

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question will draw attention to the fact that this was not a duty, or part of the duties, of the Metropolitan Police. I hope that the Royal Commission will note the exchanges between the right hon. Gentleman and myself.