Mr. FRANK OWEN:

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary if he has now made a decision to grant an inquiry into the circumstances in which Sergeant Price was required to resign from the Hereford City Police Force?

Sir H. SAMUEL:

I have had this matter under consideration, and I have come to the decision to appoint a tribunal under the Police Appeals Act, 1927, to hear the appeal of ex-Sergeant Price against the decision of the Hereford Watch Committee that he should be required to resign.

Mr. OWEN:

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the inquiry will be held and if the proceedings will be public?

Sir H. SAMUEL:

The inquiry will be held within a short interval, but I cannot say the exact date. The question whether it should be public or not is for those who hold the inquiry to decide. I shall make it clear that as far as I am concerned there is no objection to it being in public.

Will the right hon. Gentleman certify the right of the officer to have legal assistance?

Sir H. SAMUEL:

I should like to have notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the point, because it has reference to the appointment of the tribunal itself?

Sir H. SAMUEL:

Yes.