§ Sir K. WOODasked the Home Secretary whether the communication recently issued by him to the police, with the approval of the judges, involves any alteration or amendment in existing practice, particularly as regards the limitation of the right of the police to question persons suspected of crime; and whether any additional authority is given to the police in conection therewith?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo, Sir. I would invite the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the terms of the Circular, copies of308W Which have been placed in the Vote Office and the Library. The Royal Commission called attention in their report to difficulties which according to the evidence had been experienced by the police in the interpretation of the Judges rules and suggested that the matter should be brought to the notice of His Majesty's Judges for any action which they might deem desirable. This suggestion has been carried out and the Circular has been issued in terms approved by the Judges for the purpose of removing any possibility of misunderstanding in the future. The Circular involves no change in the practice of police forces that have correctly interpreted the rules in the past. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.