§ 31. Mr. Canavanasked the Lord Advocate whether he is satisfied with the rôle of Crown counsel in dealing with complaints against the police.
§ The Lord Advocate (Mr. Ronald King Murray)Yes, Sir.
§ Mr. CanavanIn view of the letter that I have sent to my right hon. and learned Friend, concerning the case of one of my constituents who filed a complaint about alleged police assault, does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that a person complaining in a case of this nature should have a right to know why charges are not being proceeded with? In the case of my constituent, will he try to ensure that a satisfactory explanation is given to him so that justice is not only done but seen to be done?
§ The Lord AdvocateIt is not the practice of my Department to give reasons why it has decided not to prosecute in a particular case. If my hon. Friend considered the matter he would realise that in many cases the reason would be non-availability of evidence, or the quality of such evidence as was available, and it would hardly be in the public interest to have a public discussion of such matters.