§ 86. Mr. Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by the representatives of the Metropolitan constables at his refusal to reimburse legal costs of £150 incurred by a police constable who successfully defended himself against a charge of false imprisonment and assault arising out of an arrest made by the constable while on duty; and if he will refer the question of reimbursement to a Standing Committee of the Police Council for advice, as provided for in arrangements made nearly thirty years ago but never operated.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerApart from the representations made to me by the hon. Gentleman I have had no evidence of any discontent about this case. Having carefully reviewed the case, I can find no ground for altering my decision. The general question of supporting police officers in legal proceedings is within the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on the Police, which will no doubt consider whether any change in the existing arrangements is desirable.