HC Deb 21 December 1972 vol 848 c420W
29. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he will not set up a committee to inquire into the relationships between the police and the Press, and in particular to consider the proposition that no information or comment should be supplied to the Press by the police or anyone acting on their behalf if there is likelihood of a prosecution, until such time as the summons has been issued or a decision taken that no legal enforcement will be initiated.

Mr. Carlisle

Because my right hon. Friend is not persuaded of the need to do so.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish the report from the chief constable of Liverpool on how and why information to the Press was revealed by the head of the Liverpool Police of a prejudicial nature, before any notification of a prosecution had been made and before police investigations had been completed.

Mr. Carlisle

In accordance with accepted practice, the report from the Chief Constable of Liverpool and Bootle will not be published but I shall write to the hon. Member in due course.