Examination of Witnesses (Question Numbers
340-344)
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
ROBERT QUICK
QPM
10 FEBRUARY 2009
Q340 Mr Brake: They are as presented
originally?
Mr Quick: Yes.
Q341 Patrick Mercer: The comments
that you made about the involvement of the Conservative Party
in this case would seem to me to be highly intemperate. I fully
understand the apology and withdrawal of those comments, but it
strikes me as odd that you have no further explanation to add
about the circumstances in which you made them. In my view and
that of others it leaves you as a very senior officer in an extremely
sensitive department looking less than objective.
Mr Quick: I do not know what further
reassurance you would like. The remarks were made in a very distressing
time for my family. I regret making them and I have withdrawn
them and apologised.
Q342 David Davies: Can you confirm
you have said they were without foundation?
Mr Quick: Yes.
Q343 David Davies: Why was surveillance
equipment worn by police officers when they arrested Damian Green?
That is not normal, is it?
Mr Quick: I would be very happy
to answer those questions at the conclusion of the investigation,
but I really cannot discuss operational issues at this moment.
Q344 Chairman: Mr Quick, thank you
very much for coming to give evidence and providing us with so
much information today. It would be very helpful if you provided
us with a memorandum on a number of points we have raised. When
the Home Secretary gave evidence to us four weeks ago she said
she would be undertaking a review of this kind of procedure. Do
you support that review? Do you think it is a good idea to have
a review of what has happened?
Mr Quick: Indeed I do. Clearly,
we sent officers in good time to the Palace of Westminster to
discuss the operation and would have been very happy to abide
by any requirements made of us in conducting that operation. If
there is further clarification that will be most welcome.
Chairman: Thank you very much.
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