§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will call for a report from the Chief Constable on how and why the Northumbria police paid £500 to Peter Neville and John McDonald to prevent them taking court action to press their claims of being beaten and wrongfully arrested; who paid this sum; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI understand from the Chief Constable of Northumbria that a civil claim by Peter Neville and John McDonald alleging false imprisonment and ill-treatment by the police in April 1976 has been settled by insurers on behalf of the Northumbria Police Authority paying the claimants compensation of £250 each, but without admission of 259W liability. Agreement was reached in the normal manner between all the parties; I understand that the claimants have withdrawn all allegations of violence and other improper conduct made in connection with their arrest.