§ 8. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes in procedure he has recommended in the light of the case of Ronald Avard.
§ Mr. CallaghanI can find no grounds for legislation to amend the procedures under the Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act, 1964 or Section 27 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1963. While I have found nothing in the circumstances of this case to suggest that the police acted improperly or inconsiderately, I am considering the issue of guidance to the police on the interrogation of suspects who are subnormal.
§ Mr. PriceI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that this man, with a mental age of seven, spent many hours at Rugby police station before making a totally false confession, which has since cost the Home Office £5,000 in compensation? Is it not logical in a case of a person with a juvenile mind to treat him as a juvenile and to have his parents present from the beginning?
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, Sir. As my hon. Friend knows—because it was his persistence which brought the facts to light—the police acted very considerately. They did not take a statement until his father was present. Alas, it was an incorrect statement, and it took my hon. Friend a great deal of diligence, together with others, to reveal that fact. It has now been met quite properly by a payment from the Home Office.