§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive a copy of the report of the inquiry by Sir Philip Knights into the conduct of the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry by the West Yorkshire police; if he will place a copy of the report in the Library; whether he will make his own response public; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the report by Sir Philip Knights into the West Yorkshire police service, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawThis inquiry was instituted by the West Yorkshire metropolitan police authority in consultation with the Home Office, through Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, to investigate allegations against senior officers in that force, and Sir Philip Knights was appointed to conduct it. I have not seen his report, and in the ordinary course would not do so. The report and any action to be taken on it are essentially matters for the police authority as the disciplinary authority. However, I understand that Sir Philip has now submitted his report to the police authority, indicating that no evidence is forthcoming to support the allegations made. It is a principle of long standing that reports of police investigations are confidential, and not published.