§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of the West Midlands police force as to what action was taken against former Detective Inspector Paul Matthews regarding his activities on behalf of Amway International while a serving member of the West Midlands police force.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI understand that in 1984–85 an internal inquiry was carried out by officers from the West Midlands police into allegations that Mr. Matthews was engaged in business activities involving the company Amway United Kingdom. There was no evidence to justify disciplinary proceedings, but following the inquiry Mr. Matthews was seen by the deputy chief constable and given words of advice.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Police Complaints Authority as to what steps they have taken to interview former Detective Inspector Paul Matthews in connection with the authority's investigation into allegations made by Martin Foran.
§ Mr. Peter LloydNo. The course of any investigation which is being supervised by the Police Complaints Authority is a matter for them to arrange with the officer appointed to conduct the investigation. Home Office Ministers have no authority to intervene in the process, although I have no doubt that all relevant steps will be taken to ensure that Mr. Foran's allegations are fully investigated.