§ 6. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence of charges subsequently dismissed being brought by the Metropolitan Police as to possession of drugs under the Dangerous Drugs Act, as in the cases of Lady Diana Cooper and Mr. Twining, respectively; and what ex-gratia payments he now proposes to make to persons injuriously affected by such prosecution.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is responsible for deciding whether to prosecute in any particular case. I am prepared to consider claims for ex-gratia payments, if it can be shown that there had been negligence or misconduct by the police or other public officials. No charge was made against Lady Diana Cooper and no application has been made for an ex-gratia payment to Mr. Twining.
COMMONWEALTH CITIZENS ADMITTED FOR SETTLEMENT 1966 1967 1968 Jan.-Feb. Mar.-May Jan.-Feb. Mar.-May Jan.-Feb. Mar.-May Employment Voucher Holders … 923 1,522 644 1,303 716 1,338* Dependants … 4,109 10,284 5,572 13,285 8,012 11,862* Others … 307 523 286 625 375 893* 5,339 11,329 6,502 15,213 9,103 14,093 * These figures include the following numbers of citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies from East Africa:—
Voucher Holders … … 20 Dependants … … 715 Others … … 344