Captain O'CONNORasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Royal Commission on Police Powers and Procedure has ruled that questions relating to corruption or perjury in the Metropolitan Police Force are outside their terms of reference; and whether, in view of this ruling, he can make a statement as to the steps which are being taken to remedy the state of affairs disclosed at the trial of ex-Sergeant Goddard?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not aware of any formal ruling on the subject by the Commission, but their view, as I gather, is that as the Commission is not empowered to take evidence on oath they would not be disposed to inquire into allegations of corruption, etc., against individuals. As to the second part of the question, it would not be possible within the limits of an answer, nor, in my view, would it be in the public interest, to attempt to make any statement as to the steps which have been, or are being, taken to prevent a recurrence of an offence similar to that committed by ex-Sergeant Goddard. But my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that the importance of the matter is fully appreciated, and there is good reason to hope that the various steps which are being taken will produce the desired results.