BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

POLICE HEADS IMPEACHED. TWO INQUIRIES, TO BE HELD. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, May 17. In the House of Commons, Air Tom Johnston (Labour ALP. for Dundee) inter moved the adjournment. He said that he was anxious to preserve the civil liberties of citizens. He would offer a determined opposition to “star chamber” or to -‘third degree” methods.

Mr Johnston related Miss Savage’s experiences in the presence of Inspector Collins and Inspector Clarke at Scotland Yard. “Though no woman w‘as present,” Miss Savage said, ‘•‘They asked me to stand up and to show the length of my dress, and to give them full particulars of the clothes that I was wearing. Inspector Collins said: “There are several things that yon could really do without sinning. Don’t be afraid. Tell us!” The officer sat down beside me. He asked for a demonstration of what happened at Hyde Park.’ Cries of “iShame!”

“Miss Savage sa id: ‘The Inspector added: “Wo were young once!’ We’ve had a good time. Wo are only making enquiries for the sake of the officers whose conduct is being inquired into.”

yfr Johnston said that the Inspector put his arms round the girl to demonstrate how Sir Leo Ohiozza Money might have been sitting.

This, said Air Johnston, had occurred without any opportunity Lathe attendance of a legal adviser and without a AYoma.ii Officer "being present. The girl was finally warned that she must not tell anyone that slie had been to Scotland A nrd. Mr Johnston concluded: “.Members must unite in making such a protest that these methods will never again be attempted in Britain. Sir Win. Joynson Hicks (Home AFiuister) in replying, said: ■•Statements by Inspector Collins, bv a police sergeant, and by the woman officer who was present at part of the interview denied in the strongest terms what Air Johnston hud stated, and raised a, definite challenge. After Aft- Johnston’s statement, T have no doubt regarding the propriety of a complete and exhaustive inquiry.” Cheers.

Sir W. Joynson Hicks: “As the responsible Minister. I trust, from the bottom of my heart, that- this inquiiy will not result in casting a slur upon the police. Therefore, I shall immediately agree to Air Johnston’s request. 1 suggest that a judge should hold a full inquiry, which. T liclieve is the oril.v right course In the- interest alike of justice to the community and of morale and discipline of the police.”

Air Johnston, in view of the pledge of an inquiry given by the Home Secretary, asked leave to withdraw his motion, and tho adjournment was

then negatived without a division. The Government has decided to set up two separate enquiries, following on the definite in the House of Comnioits. One is to the titeumstances of Afiss ,Savage’s visit to Scotland A'a-rd. The second is to consider wider general questions of the methods of the police.

In the Savage inquiry, the tribunal Will consist of three persons, whose names will l>c announced to-morrow.