§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary State for the Home Department why the detective who formerly served in the Obscene Publications Squad has been asked to resign; of what wrong-doing he has been found guilty by the disciplinary board warranting its demanding his resignation; why no legal proceedings are to be taken to enable him to clear his name; what action he proposes to take to publicise this case in the same way as other cases where allegations of corruption have been levelled against serving policy officers connected with the trade in pornography; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI have assumed that my hon. Friend is referring to a case about which he also wrote to me on 20th January. I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that on 17th January the officer concerned was found guilty by a disciplinary board of an offence against the police discipline code of corrupt or improper practice, and was punished by being required to resign. I understand also that the officer has appealed to the Commissioner against the finding and punishment. If that appeal is not upheld, there is a right of appeal to me. In those circumstances, it would be improper for me to comment in any way on the case.