§ Mr. Arthur Lewis (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for an immediate report from all chief constables on the action taken within their forces to curb the growing practice of releasing to the Press details of alleged offences by individuals in advance of prosecution.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Robert Carr)No, Sir. The proper and recognised practice is that the police do not volunteer information about alleged offences in advance of prosecution, and during the past year chief officers of police have been asked to take particular care that this practice is strictly adhered to. The police may, however, confirm facts already in the hands of the Press. I am not aware of any departure from this practice.
§ Mr. LewisWhile thanking the Home Secretary for that reply, may I ask him 778 to look into this matter again? Is he aware that there is a feeling in the country that certain facts and figures which are given to the Press could, in some cases, have been given only by the police, as it would otherwise have been impossible for the Press to have the information? Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this because, although I and hon. Members generally would not accept the suggestion, it is said within Press circles that the police receive payment for this information? That, of course, would be wrong.
I will let the right hon. Gentleman have details of half a dozen cases in which information could have been obtained only from the police, and, indeed, in some of these Press reports the police have been quoted as having given the information. I will send the details privately.
§ Mr. CarrOf course, if the hon. Member or, indeed, any other hon. Members will give me details of specific cases I will have them looked into most carefully. If that were happening it would be most improper, and I am sure that the chief officers concerned would be the first to take action against it.
- BILL PRESENTED
- LOCAL GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) 75 words
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