§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what date in November, 1970, the Metropolitan Police received a request from Mr. Peter Deeley for co-operation in writing a book on the McKay murder; what was the nature of their reply; and if he will give similar details concerning an approach from the British Broadcasting Corporation for the making of a documentary film;
(2) whether at any time whilst the appeal case in connection with Mrs. McKay was pending or in process, the Metropolitan Police co-operated with the British Broadcasting Corporation or those connected with making the documentary film on the case, as subsequently made and shown by the British Broadcasting Corporation;
(3) why the Metropolitan Police gave help and assistance and co-operated with the British Broadcasting Corporation in producing a film connected with the McKay murder case, whilst at the same time refusing to grant the same cooperation and assistance to journalists.
§ Mr. MaudlingI understand that on 19th November, 1970, Mr. Deeley sought the assistance of the Metropolitan Police in writing a book about the murder of Mrs. McKay. The Metropolitan Police had already agreed to co-operate with the B.B.C., who had asked for special facilities in June and had assured the Commissioner of Police that he would have the opportunity to approve the film before it was shown; this was a safeguard against anything being shown which could have been held to prejudice appeal proceedings.
The Commissioner considered it impracticable to meet the several requests 424W which were made for special facilities and interviews with his officers.