§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will cause an immediate investigation to be made to ascertain the reasons why by 9th February, 1969, the hon. Member for West Ham, North, had not received a reply to his communication of 22nd November, 1968, making complaint of Metropolitan police officers breaking the law in using unlicensed vehicles; why the information for which the hon. Member had asked was given in a Press release; and what disciplinary action is being taken against the officers involved.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganIf my hon. Friend has in mind his letters of 12th and 21st November, replies were sent on 3rd December, 30th January and 25th February, besides my written reply to his Oral Question on 30th January. The Home Office made no statement to the Press on the matter. The question whether disciplinary action should be take is for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, but he cannot settle this until the court proceedings are concluded.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now able to state what progress has been made regarding the report made to him concerning the police officer using his private vehicle, licence No. 904 KMM, whilst unlicensed; what was the result of the prosecution for this offence; and whether similar action is 341W intended with regard to the police officers practising this offence in the Barnes area, details of which have been supplied to him.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganAs my hon. Friend is aware, proceedings brought by the Greater London Council against the owner of vehicle number 904 KMM resulted in convictions on three charges for vehicle excise offences, and the imposition of fines and orders for back duty and costs that totalled over £40 in all. I have nothing to add at present to the information I have given my hon. Friend about the police officers at Barnes.