§ Lord Brockwayasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will establish an inquiry into the treatment of Errol Madden, a West Indian of 18, who was arrested by police at 2 a.m. when walking home, having missed the last bus, charged with stealing two model cars, interrogated until 5.15 a.m. at Battersea Police Station, signed a confession of guilt (alleged by him to have been dictated by the police), and then found to be in possession of a receipt showing that he had bought the model cars, with the result that he was discharged as innocent next morning in court.
§ Lord BelsteadI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that an investigation into the circumstances of the case has been put in hand and that he has since received a complaint against the police on behalf of Mr. Madden. The matter is, therefore, now being dealt with in accordance with the statutory complaints procedures. It would not be appropriate for Ministers to intervene in the arrangements provided by law for the investigation and consideration of such complaints.