HC Deb 21 June 1978 vol 952 cc462-4
29. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Lord Advocate why he has offered the hon. Member for West Lothian a sight of the Crown Agent's report on the case of ex-Sergeant William Jamieson of Bo'ness Police, conditional on confidentiality; whether he will allow the report to be seen by Sergeant Jamieson, Sergeant Jamieson's lawyers, and the lawyers of the Police Federation; and whether he is satisfied that a Crown Agent's conditional inquiry is a satisfactory method of dealing with the circumstances of such a case.

The Lord Advocate (Mr. Ronald King Murray)

The Crown Agent's report proceeded upon the statements of witnesses given in confidence. Accordingly, the report must remain confidential and it would not be appropriate to show it to any interested party. However, it seemed to me to be reasonable that my hon. Friend should have an opportunity to see in confidence the results of an inquiry affecting persons most of whom are his constituents.

Mr. Dalyell

May I acknowledge the hard work that the Lord Advocate has given to the Jamieson case and, indeed, to so many other cases, and take the opportunity to regret his decision not to seek re-election in Leith? Does he recognise that his offer puts a non-lawyer Member of Parliament into a dilemma? Should I be satisfied, having seen it, though my qualifications to pass such judgment are somewhat limited? Should I not be satisfied, I can do nothing without shattering confidence and breaching faith. Frankly, does this not once again emphasise the urgent need to look closely at the whole stated case procedure in such instances?

The Lord Advocate

I thank my hon. Friend for his kind remarks. I am afraid, Mr. Speaker, that you may see me at the Dispatch Box for more than another year yet.

Concerning my hon. Friend's remarks, certainly we are looking at the stated case procedure. This must be looked at in a broader context than any one hard case.

In regard to the opportunity that I gave to my hon. Friend, which still stands, I realise that it is a difficult matter for him because he has a conflict of interests, perhaps, in his own mind. However, I offered my hon. Friend the opportunity on the basis that he is a trustee for all of his constituents rather than an advocate of the interests of a single constituent. I hope that my hon. Friend will resolve the conflict, because it seems a pity that he has not yet availed himself of this opportunity.