§ 36. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in the case of the investigation of Detective Inspector Ronald Larby of the Essex and Southend-on-Sea Joint Constabulary, the investigation into his cohabiting with a serving prisoner's wife whilst on police duties was carried out by a chief superintendent of the same force; whether the investigation as carried out dealt with the charge of his forcibly entering and breaking into the home of the woman in question; and why he will not make a copy of the report available to the hon. Member for West Ham. North.
§ Mr. CarlisleThe chief constable tells me that it was not considered necessary 355W to arrange for the investigation to be carried out by an officer from another force. The investigation dealt with all aspects of the complaints. It is a longstanding principle that the reports of such investigations are confidential.
§ 51. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the offences of which Detective Inspector Ronald Larby was found guilty as a result of the inquiry into his conduct of cohabiting with a prisoner's wife whilst on police duties; when the result of the inquiry was concluded; and what action was taken against him.
§ Mr. CarlisleOn charges under the police discipline code Mr. Larby was found guilty of offences of discreditable conduct and disobedience to orders and was dealt with at a hearing on 25th May, 1972.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will call for a report on why, in the case of the Essex and Southend-on-Sea Joint Constabulary, the chief constable gave permission for some of his police officers to be interviewed and statements taken in the case of Detective Inspector Ronald Larby;
(2) why the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis refuses to allow his officers to be questioned or make statements in connection with the case of Detective Inspector Ronald Larby.
§ Mr. CarlisleThese are matters of criminal investigation and are for the chief officer of police. I understand that the chief constable saw no reason to decline the request. Copies of statements made by the Metropolitan officers were supplied to the solicitors concerned, and the Commissioner of Police considered that interviews with the officers would not have assisted further.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the letter sent to Mrs. K. Bruce of Brentwood, under date of 17th June, 1972, signed by Deputy Chief Constable A. Goodson, regarding the charge of Detective Inspector Ronald Larby cohabiting with a serving prisoner's wife.
356W
§ Mr. CarlisleNo.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the investigation into charges and allegations against Detective Inspector Ronald Larby commenced; and who attended the discipline hearing.
§ Mr. CarlisleThe investigation began immediately after the complaint was received on 3rd January, 1972. The complainant and a number of other civilians and police officers gave evidence at the discipline hearing.