§ 122. Mr. McGovernasked the Secretary of State for Scotland by whom the charge was made against Police Constable James Coutts for stealing £20 from a club at 287, High Street, Glasgow; why the charge was dropped after his appearance at the Central Police Court on 30th April, 1951; what were the reasons for his subsequent resignation from the police force; why this case was withheld from the Press; if he is aware that this constable had a key of the club premises tied to his braces; and if the Secretary of State had this dossier before him when he 132W exonerated the Glasgow police in his letter to the Press of 17th June.
Mr. McNeilSince, in the opinion of my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, there was not sufficient evidence in law to warrant proceedings this charge was dropped on 5th May. The resignation was accepted on the 3rd May by the Chief Constable on the ground that it was in the public interest that Coutts should no longer remain in the force. It is the case that he had a key of the premises. It is, as far as I know, untrue that this case was withheld from the Press. Certainly Coutts appeared publicly in the Central Police Court on two occasions, Pressmen were present and the proceedings were reported. After considering the circumstances, I see no reason for departing from the conclusion which I intimated to the hon. Member in my letter to him of 16th June.