“CERTAIN STEPS HAVE NOW BEEN TAKEN”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6886, 16 April 1929, Page 7

“CERTAIN STEPS HAVE NOW BEEN TAKEN”

QUESTIdirS ASKED IN THE COMMONS ABOUT GODDARD’S SUPERIORS. LONDON, Fob. 24. Sir William Joynson-Hicks was called upon to answer many questions about night clubs and tho police control, in tho House of Commons yesterday. Tho Home Secretary stated (in answer to Captain O’Connor) that tho officers of the "C” Division responsible for the supervision of ex-Sergeant Goddard in the performance of his duty in connection with the control of night clubs and disorderly houses between 1914 and the date of his suspension, included four superintendents, six chief inspectors and eleven sub-divis-ional inspectors. He did uot think public interest would be served by giving thoir names. Captain O’Connor asked whether, in view of tho large number of people responsible for the supervision of Goddard, tho Home Secretary thought frauds could have occurred without the connivance of any of them. “I am satisfied,” replied Sir William, “that the Commissioner of Police has gone most fully iuto the whole of this question. He has reported to me certain steps that havo been taken.” Mr. Hayes: How many of the officers involved still remain in tho service? The Homo Secretary: I cannot say without notice. Captain Garro-Jones asked whether the Home Secretary could allocate to any of those officers responsibility for dismissing constables who brought charges of irregularities against Goddard. Tho Home Secretary answered that a constable who brought charges some years ago was dismissed from Scotland Yard after very long and full inquiry. As Captain Garro-Jones knew, he had this matter in hand now. Tho Homo Secretary also said that he was not in a position to make a statement with regard to any changes in the Metropolitan Police for dealing with clubs, gaming and other disorderly houses. The uniform branch would continue to bo responsible, with tho assistance of the C.I.D. as occasion might require. Tho question of further police was being examined and he understood the Police Commissioner recently heard evidence on tho cubjoct.