§ Mr. AMM0Nasked the Postmaster-General whether a worker who had been interrogated by officers of the investigation branch and is asked to sign a statement is given a carbon copy of the statement for his own use and reference; and, if not, whether such a practice will be introduced?
2098W
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. If criminal proceedings are not undertaken, a full statement of the charge against a Post Office servant is given to him in writing before any disciplinary action is taken. If criminal proceedings are undertaken, the accused man has the usual opportunities of obtaining access to any of his statements which are put in in evidence. I see no reason for altering the present practice.
§ Mr. AMMONasked the Postmaster-General whether in every case where a worker is interrogated or detained by officers of the investigation branch the permission of the man is first sought and obtained?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONBefore any Post Office servant who has come under suspicion is interrogated by an officer of the investigation branch he is advised that he need not answer any question unless he chooses. No Post Office servant is detained against his will unless it has been decided to charge him with a felony.
§ Mr. AMMONasked the Postmaster-General the number of cases during the past 10 years where an officer, wrongly accused by officers of the investigation branch, has received any compensation from the Department?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThere has been one case during the past 10 years in which a Post Office servant who had been prosecuted after inquiries by the investigation branch and acquitted was repaid the costs of his defence.