§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Hertfordshire on the circumstances in which Mr. Thomas Thompson was mistakenly arrested for burglary whilst visiting his daughter's home and his experiences while under arrest, including being made to stand in his socks in urine in the cells, being refused medical attention to injuries caused by the police, not being allowed to telephone his solicitor either before or after his arrest was found to be a mistake, and the threats made against him by police officers to discourage any complaint.
§ Mr. MayhewI understand from the chief constable that allegations by Mr. Thompson about the circumstances of his arrest and detention have been investigated and considered in accordance with the statutory complaints procedures, including reference of the report of the investigation to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Police Complaints Board for their independent consideration of the criminal and disciplinary aspects respectively. No grounds were found to justify action against any police officer. It would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the arrangements provided by law for dealing with complaints against the police.