§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will request the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to take action to ensure that when a person or persons have been charged and are awaiting trial and while the case is sub judice the police should not discuss the case, or matters related thereto, with the Press, private persons, public persons, or others who have no connection with the case, until the case has been tried and resolved.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesNo. The police are aware of the need to avoid prejudicial comment on outstanding cases. Any allegation that they have acted improperly in a particular case can be pursued in court when the case is heard, or through the procedures for recording and investigating complaints against the police under Section 49 of the Police Act 1964, into which a further independent element has now been introduced by the Police Act 1976.