§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will take steps to have the Countryman investigation extended to include allegations, some of which were made in connection with the murder of the Luton sub-postmaster in 1969, that between 1969 and 1972 certain officers in the Flying Squad were involved in staging robberies and other crimes; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will publish in the Official Report the terms of reference of the Countryman investigation into the police.
§ Mr. WhitelawAs I stated in my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 13 December—[Vol. 975, c. 715.]—in accordance with the provisions of section 49 of the Police Act 1964 allegations against members of the City of London and122W Metropolitan Police forces are currently under investigation by a senior officer from another force, and his report will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his independent consideration of the possible need for criminal proceedings. It would not be appropriate to provide detailed information about the investigation. To do so would be prejudicial both to its success and to individuals involved. It is for the Commissioners of the two forces concerned to consider whether the investigating officer should be asked to investigate other allegations against members of their forces.