HC Deb 22 July 1971 vol 821 cc1662-3
18. Mr. Deedes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision he has reached on the report of the Working Party on machinery for handling complaints against the police.

27. Mr. Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he now has to change the system for handling complaints against the police ; and whether he will make a further statement.

Mr. Maudling

I have nothing to add at present to the reply I gave to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Fowler) on 18th March.—[Vol. 813, c. 367.]

Mr. Deedes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is taking a terribly long time? In the meantime, a great deal of useful time is being occupied by senior officers of the police in these inquiries, yet it is accompanied by a great deal of public mistrust. If he were to include some lay representatives in the body eventually agreed upon, this would meet with considerable approval from the police themselves.

Mr. Maudling

I agree that this is a very important matter but it is also very complicated and I am determined to get it right.

Mr. Fowler

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that many of us have the greatest admiration for the exceptionally high standards of the police but that also we see the value of an independent check on complaints against them which would demonstrate to all that those complaints are dealt with in a fair manner?

Mr. Maudling

It is already the case that any complaint involving the possibility of criminal offences is submitted to the Director of Public prosecutions.

Mr. Heffer

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain cases which involved trade unionists at Stockport and elsewhere have left a very difficult atmosphere amongst trade unionists? Is it not clear that this whole matter must be speeded up in order that everyone can be satisfied that there is an impartial inquiry into genuine complaints against police activity?

Mr. Maudling

If the hon. Gentleman will send me details of any particular case, I will be glad to examine it.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that while, on the one hand, it is clear that a completely independent external inquiry would erode the morale of what is a disciplined service, nevertheless, on the other hand, it is highly unsatisfactory that any person should be a judge in his own suit and that any solution must be free from both of these evils?

Mr. Maudling

I think that the hon. Gentleman has stated the dilemma extremely well. It is precisely this dilemma which makes for great difficulty in finding a solution.