HC Deb 06 June 1946 vol 423 cc352-3W
13. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue a direction that, in all cases where a person charged with a criminal offence has made a statement to the police, a copy of such statement shall be made available to that person and to his legal advisers.

Mr. Ede

The general practice of the police is to supply on request a copy of such a statement to the defendent or his legal representative, and the importance of maintaining this practice is well understood. From time to time exceptional cases arise in which the course of justice would be impeded by supplying such a copy, but these cases are rare and all chief constables understand that the strongest grounds are needed to justify any departure from the practice.

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