§ Mr. H. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the report and minutes of evidence of the Home Office inquiry into the administration of the Huddersfield police force.
§ Sir D. SomervellNo, Sir. The object of the inquiry was to examine certain allegations submitted to the Home Secretary by the Constables Branch Board and to report whether they disclosed any evidence to suggest that the police force was not efficiently administered. It has never been the practice to publish the reports of similar inquiries which have been held in the past, and I do not think that any public interest would be served by publishing the report and proceedings of this inquiry.
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§ Mr. H. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the machinery for the investigation of allegations of maladministration made by junior ranks of police forces against their senior officers is unsatisfactory; that unrest within the police forces and public loss of confidence in them is caused thereby; and if he will institute an inquiry into this matter.
§ Sir D. SomervellThe investigation of allegations of this kind presents difficulties. I do not accept the suggestion in the Question that the present procedure is unsatisfactory, I will keep this matter under careful review, but I do not think it would be useful to order a special inquiry.