§ Mr. Rootsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what principles are followed by the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police with regard to vehicles misappropriated from car hire companies by defaulting hirers; and when he last reviewed these principles.
§ Mr. George ThomasI am informed by the Commissioner that his instructions follow the principle of distinguishing between a default constituting a breach of contract, for which there is a civil300W remedy, and a default constituting a breach of the criminal law. These instructions, which were reviewed last September but not altered in substance, are in brief that the police should take action only where there is evidence of a criminal offence, but should not investigate an alleged default unless the complainant is willing to assist in a prosecution should sufficient evidence be found.