HC Deb 20 May 1999 vol 331 cc441-2W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 1999,Official Report, columns 488–89, for what reasons a POLSA team was instructed to search Sergeant Gurpal Virdi's house. [84654]

Kate Hoey

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner tells me that POLSA teams are specially trained in search techniques and in evidence gathering, and that such a team was used in the search of Sergeant Virdi's home because of the nature of the evidence that was being sought.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will agree to meet hon. Members to discuss the general issues raised by the case of Sergeant Gurpal Virdi. [84653]

Kate Hoey

I will, of course, in principle be willing to meet hon. Members to discuss general issues which they see arising from this case. As disciplinary proceedings have now been brought against Sergeant Virdi, and as the Home Secretary is appellate authority for police disciplinary matters, I would not, however, be able to discuss the Sergeant's case, certainly not before the disciplinary matters are concluded.