HC Deb 07 March 1978 vol 945 c546W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why a letter sent by the hon. Member for Brent, South on 9th May 1977 concerning a constituent's complaint did not receive a reply from the Minister of State until 27th February 1978.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Since the matter about which my hon. Friend wrote to the Home Office concerned a complaint against the police, it was necessary to seek a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. Unfortunately, there were delays by the police in referring the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions and, subsequently, in submitting a report to the Home Office. The Commissioner very much regrets the delay and I can only add my own apology that my hon. Friend had to wait so long for a reply.