§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up an inquiry under the Police Act 1964 into the alleged racist behaviour of certain members of Wiltshire constabulary in the arrest of Eric Maximen at West Wells road, Corsham, Wiltshire on 23 April; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo. Procedures exist under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 for the investigation of allegations that individual police officers may have committed a criminal or a disciplinary offence. The circumstances of Mr. Maximen's arrest are already being investigated by the Wiltshire constabulary in accordance with these procedures, following complaints lodged by three members of the public. When the investigation has been completed the papers will be referred to the Police Complaints Authority and, if appropriate, to the Director of Public Prosecutions.