§ Mr. Weitzmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the refusal by the Metropolitan Police to supply the names and addresses of witnesses to a road accident before proceedings by the police are concluded or a decision taken not to institute proceedings imposes a burden on persons involved in an accident who desire to bring a civil suit for damages; and whether he will advise that this practice be reconsidered in the interest of persons involved, and state under what authority this information is withheld.
§ Mr. CarlisleThis is a matter within the discretion of chief officers of police. The present arrangements are designed to avoid prejudice to police proceedings but once these proceedings are complete, or a decision not to initiate them has been taken, it is the general practice of the police to supply, on request, not only the names and addresses but also the statements of witnesses. This practice enables the great majority of claims for damages to be settled without court action. The courts do not, as a rule, hear a civil suit for damages until criminal proceedings are out of the way.