HC Deb 20 January 1972 vol 829 cc217-8W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the general practice of the Metropolitan Police is with regard to informing or advising the Press on the arrest or possible prosecution of public figures where a Press story may be involved; and to what extent the police are permitted to take payment from the Press for supplying such information.

Mr. Sharples

Where a charge is preferred after arrest the Press may be informed of the name, age, address and occupation of the person charged and the date, time and place of his court appearance.

As regards the general practice of the Metropolitan Police before a charge is preferred, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to Questions by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Havers) and the hon. Member for Hackney, Central (Mr. Clinton Davis) on 22nd December. The police are not permitted to accept payment for supplying information in any circumstances.—[Vol. 828, c. 381.]

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation making it illegal for the police and court officials to receive fees and payments from the Press for supplying information which may lead to Press stories.

Mr. Sharples

No.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how often the Metropolitan Police have confirmed to the Press information regarding persons who have been breathalysed; and whether he will ensure that in future no comment is made to persons, other than on the written request of the person breathalysed, his legal representative, or others properly connected with the due process of the law.

Mr. Sharples

The information is not available. The answer to the second part of the Question is "No".