§ LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGH rose to move, That it is expedient that a tribunal be established under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, for inquiry into a definite matter of urgent public importance, that is to say, the allegations made against the Chief Constable of Kilmarnock in connection with the dismissal of Constables Hill and Moore from the Burgh Police Force. The noble Lord said: My Lords, the Motion which stands in my name requires a word of explanation. Some little time ago my right hon. friend the Secretary for Scotland received a representation from the General Central Committee of the Scottish Police Federation and afterwards from the police authorities of the Burgh of Kilmarnock to the effect that an inquiry should be held into the dismissal of two constables. The Secretary for Scotland considers it expedient that effect should be given to this request by the appointment of a tribunal under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921. Procedure under that Act has the 865 advantage that evidence can be taken on oath and the production of documents can be required. It is necessary before the appointment of such a tribunal that both House of Parliament should pass a Resolution in the terms stated on the Paper. For that reason I beg to move.
§ Moved, That it is expedient that a tribunal be established under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act. 1921, for inquiry into a definite matter of urgent public; importance, that is to say, the allegations made against the Chief Constable of Kilmarnock in connection with the dismissal of Constables Hill and Moore from the Burgh Police Force.—(Lord Balfour of Burleigh.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.