§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any consultations have taken place between his Department and the Judges of the Queen's Bench concerning the Judges' Rules since 28th January 1976, in particular in relation to the point relating to Administration Direction 7(a) raised by the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury Official Report, 28th January 1976, c. 547.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesFollowing the reply given to a Question from my hon. Friend on 12th February 1976—[Vol. 905, c. 286–7.]—my Department consulted the582W Lord Chief Justice and issued a clarifying circular to chief officers of police in May 1976 on the particular point referred to.
As my hon. Friend was told in answer to a Question on 4th March 1976—[Vol. 906, c. 676]—my Department also consulted the Lord Chief Justice about the issue of guidance on the questioning of mentally handicapped persons. A circular to chief officers of police on this subject was issued in July 1976.
Copies of both circulars have been placed in the Library. I am considering the possibility of their publication.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now seek to give statutory effect to the Judges' Rules.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNo, but I am prepared to consider any specific representations that may be made to me concerning police interview procedures.