HC Deb 23 July 1964 vol 699 cc131-2W
Mr. Lubbock

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he has failed to place a copy of the report of the tribunal on the appeals of Police Constables Bourne and Maclennan in the Library of the House of Commons.

Mr. Brooke

It is not the practice to place in the Library reports of inquiries held under the Police (Appeals) Act, 1927, but, as the report of the Tribunal in this case has been communicated to the press by the solicitors acting for one of the appellants, I am placing a copy in the Library.

Mr. Lubbock

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what inquiries he has made into the reasons why the respondent in the appeal of Police Constables Bourne and Maclennan against their dismissal, failed to call for evidence from the complainant, Mr. Stratta.

Mr. Brooke

A tribunal set up under the Police (Appeals) Act, 1927, may require the attendance of any witnesses. This power is normally exercised at the request of the respondent or the appellant, bu there is nothing to prevent the tribunal itself from calling witnesses. I am informed that in this case the respondent did not call Mr. Stratta to give evidence because he considered that without it there was sufficient evidence to prove his case.