§ 10. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will order an official police inquiry into the arrest of Mr. Edward Hodgson 1801 at South Moor, Stanley, County Durham, on 3rd February 1974.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir. I understand that the Chief Constable of Durham has already made inquiries into this matter and, in the absence of any formal complaint from Mr. Hodgson, is satisfied that no further action is necessary.
§ Mr. WatkinsNotwithstanding the views of the chief constable, is my hon. Friend aware that my constituent was arrested for an alleged assault on a youth whom he found with a group of others vandalising his property and who proved to be the son of a police officer? Is my hon. Friend also aware that when the case came up at Durham Crown Court the judge directed the jury to dismiss the case immediately after the presentation of the police evidence, without even awaiting cross-examination?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf my hon. Friend considers that the case requires further investigation and will transmit Mr. Hodgson's complaint through the Home Office, I shall be glad to ask the chief constable for a report.