HC Deb 28 July 1977 vol 936 cc580-1W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of his direct involvement and connection with the George Ince case, he permitted the Chief Constable of Essex to choose the force which should supply an officer to conduct another inquiry into these matters; and why he did not ask another chief constable unconnected with Essex or himself to select a force to undertake this task.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Because, when the Chief Constable of Essex informed me that he proposed to appoint an investigating officer from another force, not his own, I saw, and still see, no reason to doubt the impartiality of the investigation.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give an assurence that the report on the further inquiry by Superintendent R. N. Swain of the Kent Police Force will be published; and how long he expects it to be before the report is available;

(2) Whether he will ensure that Superintendent R. N. Swain of the Kent Police who is to undertake a further inquiry into the George Ince case, interviews the hon. Member for Poplar and any other hon. Member who may wish to give evidence or make a statement; and whether or not the report is subsequently published, if he will ensure that facilities will be granted for those people who make statements or give evidence to have such statements published should they so desire.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I am sure that the investigating officer will make all such inquiries as he considers necessary for the purposes of his investigation, the scope of which was explained by my hon. Friend the Minister of State in the debate on the Adjournment on 21st July—[Vol. 935, c. 2037–2046]—It is too soon to say how long the invstigation will take, but it will be completed as soon as possibl, consistent with a full and thorough investigation.

In accordance with the general and long-standing practice, I do not propose to publish the investigating officer's report, or any statements or other evidence which he may take or collect in the course of his enquiries.