§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date investigations were started by Scotland Yard into allegations of corruption made by Mr. John Drummond against Detective Inspector Lewis and three other Metropolitan Police officers: at what stage the investigations are at present; and whether he is satisfied with the pace and progress of the investigations.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the investigation of these allegations began in June 1973; that the Director of Public Prosecutions decided in September 1975 that the evidence was insufficient to justify any prosecution; and that the ensuing investigation into the disciplinary aspects should be completed shortly. While there remains the possibility of a disciplinary appeal to me, I cannot comment about the investigations.
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on which separate occasions, listed by date, time and method and at which places, attempts were made to contact Mr. James Reilly in connection with complaints made by him about events while being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act between the start of investigations and 27th January 1976, following receipt of the complaint from the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI have been informed by the Chief Constable of 691W Merseyside that a member of the Bedfordshire and Luton Constabulary attempted to contact Mr. Reilly at his home address on behalf of the Merseyside Police. The officer could obtain no information about Mr. Reilly from the other occupants of the house. He then made inquiries at Vauxhall Motors and was informed that Mr. Reilly had been away from work on a medical certificate for some weeks and was believed to be out of the area. The officer has kept in close touch with Vauxhall's, which notified him of Mr. Reilly's return a few days ago. Subsequently Mr. Reilly again left the county, but the officer intends to interview him at the earliest opportunity.