asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the allegations made by Mr. McGuire against the Metropolitan Police and their decision to hold an independent inquiry into these allegations, who is to conduct these investigations; and whether he will give an assurance that it will be someone, or some organisation unconnected with the Metropolitan Police against whom the allegations have been made.

I understand that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has had Mr. McGuire's allegations fully investigated by a senior officer of the Metropolitan Police not connected with the case and not in the same branch of New Scotland Yard as the officers involved. The allegations were of conduct which, if substantiated, would amount to a criminal offence, and I am informed that the Commissioner intends to refer the report of the investigation to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his consideration in accordance with section 49(3) of the Police Act 1964.