HC Deb 15 January 1976 vol 903 c566
7. Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now make a statement about the results of investigations into allegations of corruption against senior Metropolitan Police officers arising out of the pornography trade in London's West End.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Inquiries into these allegations are not complete. Two officers found guilty of disciplinary offences have appealed against the punishment of dismissal from the force. It would not therefore be appropriate for me to make any statement.

Mr. Corbett

Will my right hon. Friend try to explain why it has taken more than three years to reach the position that he has just outlined? Does he accept that it is as damaging to the public's confidence in the police as it is to the morale of the police force itself that these serious matters should be unresolved after such a startling lengthy time?

Mr. Jenkins

I know that this matter has taken a long time. In preparing for answering this Question I looked back over a number of Questions from my hon. Friend to which I have had to give stalling replies. To that extent I appreciate and understand what he is saying.

However, these inquiries are complex. It would not be right to suggest that nothing has been happening. Two officers have been found guilty of disciplinary offences and dismissed from the force. They have a right of appeal to the Commissioner and from the Commissioner to me. Despite the delay, I am sure that my hon. Friend will understand that in all the circumstances I cannot comment further upon these cases. Consultations with the Director of Public Prosecutions are still proceeding. I accept that it has been a slow process.