HC Deb 20 May 1971 vol 817 cc330-1W
43. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that the Metropolitan Police co-operated with the British Broadcasting Corporation in making a film of the McKay murder case, whilst an appeal was pending and in process of being heard, he will prohibit such action in the future as a safeguard against prejudicing proceedings actually in progress.

Mr. Maudling

No.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions, other than the Mrs. Muriel McKay murder case, whilst an appeal against the finding of guilty was pending and in the process of being heard by the Appeal Court, the Metropolitan Police gave permission for a film connected with the murder to be made, cooperated in making the film and supplied police officers to take part in the same.

Mr. Maudling

One.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Commissioner of Police gave facilities and the co-operation of the police to the British Broadcasting Corporation in making the film "Worse than Murder" in the knowledge that such was given and action taken in making the film before the commencement of the trial of the accused in the McKay murder case and before the verdict had been given and appeal had been heard.

Mr. Maudling

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that facilities to assist in making the film were not given before the trial had been completed. My hon. Friend the Minister of State is in correspondence with the hon. Member about other aspects of the Question.