HC Deb 02 March 1978 vol 945 cc651-2
14. Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now make a statement on the findings of the inquiry into the conduct of the Chief Constable of Lancashire, Mr. Stanley Parr.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Lancashire Police Authority dismissed Mr. Parr after a tribunal, set up under the relevant regulations, had found 24 charges of discreditable conduct and two of falsehood proved against him. He has withdrawn his appeal to me against these decisions.

Mr. Rodgers

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the investigation conducted by Sir Douglas Osmond revealed some unsavoury incidents that were not referred to the tribunal by the Lancashire Police Authority? In that circumstance, is he prepared to renew or extend the original inquiry?

Mr. Rees

I have asked to see the Osmond Report. I had not asked to see it before because I had a part to play in the appeal if Mr. Parr had so appealed. I now have the report, and I shall study it carefully. I cannot state at this moment whether a more general inquiry is necessary. When I have read the report, I shall take all the necessary action that I think is required.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

In supporting the request of my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Rodgers) for a general inquiry on the matters raised in the Osmond Report, may I ask my right hon. Friend to add consideration of all the other cases that have arisen since the report has been issued, many of them being of substance?

Mr. Rees

This is a difficult matter to deal with across the Floor of the House, although I agree that my hon. Friends were extremely reasonable until the judicial aspect had been completed. I am due to meet some Lancashire Members from the Labour Benches who have asked to see me. If there are any additional factors that they wish to bring to my notice, I shall take them into account. I was not able to talk in this way or to listen in this way until a week or two ago.