HC Deb 19 April 2000 vol 348 cc508-9W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in relation to the Metropolitan Police disciplinary hearing for Sergeant Gurpal Virdi in February, what was the outcome of the request for a tape recorder; what assurance was given of the availability of the transcript; how many days have passed since the end of the hearing without a transcript being made available to Sergeant Virdi; when the police solicitors received a copy; and if he will authorise the release of the transcript. [119477]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that Counsel for Sergeant Virdi withdrew his request for the proceedings to be separately tape-recorded. As a result, no tape recorder was provided for the defendant. A private company employed by the Metropolitan police undertook the official transcription and indicated that they would be able to provide a full transcript within 17 working days from the conclusion of the hearing. Thirty working days have passed since the conclusion of the hearing on 3 March 2000. The Metropolitan Police Complaints Investigation Branch took delivery of the transcripts on 12 April. These are now being collated with all the other relevant papers and will be sent simultaneously to Sergeant Virdi and Metropolitan police solicitors as soon as they are ready. The release of the transcripts is a matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations the Metropolitan police made about the date of the tribunal on the unfair dismissal claim by Sergeant Gurpal Virdi; and when they first asked for a postponement. [119478]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the position in relation to Sergeant Gurpal Virdi's case before the employment tribunal remains unaltered since my reply to the hon. Gentleman on 30 November 1999,Official Report, column 110W, and that no further postponement has been sought by the Metropolitan police.