Cyril Smith

The statement about “computerised record system” doesn’t make a lot of sense, surely all files were put on the computer when they did start using computers, correct me if I’m wrong someone but that’s what I would have assumed happened? Much of history now is on computers, indeed online; they didn’t just start history when computers were available?

Archiving documents from paper to comuter is time consuming and expensive. summaries may have been put on computer, the full document trail almost certainsly would not have been.

They would have indexed the files onto the system, with a location of the files within their stores, shown on the system.

An index of old files on a computer is not much advantage over an old fashioned card index, or is it?

To scan and digitise old documents and process with optical character recognition is a lot of work, handwritten documents could only be typed up or saved as images. When you consider the confidentiality aspect as well, no wonder old records are difficult to computerise. There is no quick or easy way to do it is there?

When you are dealing with millions of files yes it is much better and easier to have a computerised indexing system. With Dwp files when we index them, a bar-code is attached and then the files are located and put away into a location that is logged.

They can keep the old files in paper form, and just locate them when required from the storage facility.

I've just read that the cases against Cyril have been split between two Police Forces.

Yes, I can see how a computerised index is better for so many files. The snag with searching old paper document police files, without a word search facility, relevant to the Cyril Smith enquiry must be what they are indexed under?

Indeed, they will have their own system of determining under what it is stored under. In DWP there are some still not computerised and they are stored under the last 2 numbers and letter of the national insurance number on a shelf. When DWP ask for a file they, ask for it under the full national insurance number, and the system automatically shows all the files for that person and where they are stored. Files for that person can be in various warehouses, and even different sites. That could be the case for police files depending on their system of filing.

Yes two police forces now investigating Smith. Presumingly they will have to search records of all the schools he was a governor at and organisations he was part of in which he might have had access to children, or at least they should do. Very worrying to think how many he might have abused.

johnb wrote:Archiving documents from paper to comuter is time consuming and expensive. summaries may have been put on computer, the full document trail almost certainsly would not have been.

And yet local planning offices had to convert all past application documents to electronic format - seems like a weak excuse to me.

Guardian extracts:

‘The GMP force will trawl its pre-computerised records to see if any complaints were made to them during the 1980s and 1990s.’

‘any fresh complaints that are made will be thoroughly investigated’

Telegraph extract: GMP Assistant Chief Constable, said today. “I would therefore ask that if anyone does want to make a complaint about abuse that occurred after 1974, that they go to their nearest police station to report it, or call us on 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.”


It was separately reported that the Rochdale MP had requested a specific GMP telephone extension number, or reference number, for potential 'historic' abuse victims to use at this time, in order to raise confidence. Perhaps the Manchester law firm will complain on behalf of those who have been referred to them, but it seems daunting to expect others to simply turn up at their nearest police station ?

Yes, just saw that on the news but will Jeanie believe it?

Hopefully they will find out if any political pressure was put on the DPP to drop the case against Smith. In 1970 Smith did meet with Jack McCann MP of the time, to ask for help with the accusations. Now did McCann speak to the home secretary to intervene? It is believed the HS did intervene.

No longer should he be referred to as "Sir" , he would never have received that award, same as MBE if the full facts were known about him. And the blue plaque should be recycled, and the material reused for something else. If there is anything else named after him, all references to his name should be removed. Is there a statue of him? If there is get it removed and reuse the material. Any honour bestowed on him should be removed, as he would not have received such honours if the full facts of his disgusting perverted crimes had been know.

Just hope that any surviving victims of him can now feel justice has been finally delivered as far as the fact that Smith is now KNOWN to be an abuser. Hopefully if anyone else was involved with him not being brought to justice, they will be found out.

I am glad that all those abused children who did complain but were ignored or who did not complain because they were too frightened, can now say to the doubters "I was right".
Shame also on those who protected and supported Cyril Smith despite the rumours and attempts to bring him to justice. Shame on those who probably still hold him in high regard. I hope there are none of the latter but I suspect there will be some.
Get ready for the "yes he might have done those things but what about all the good things he did?".. There will be some who will continue to say it.

I am no fan of Simon Danczuk, in fact, I don't like him at all but credit is due here, he has done a very good thing - well done Mr Danczuk, I am sure Smith's victims will be very grateful.

I will second that J.

Did the police fail in the Smith saga? Or did they do what they could getting the evidence together and sending it to the DPP/CPS?

Be worth looking at the role of the local "news"paper in all of this. They always seemed to kick up a stink when anyone tried to get close to the truth about Smith.


The RAP of course were magnificent, and they and Public Eye, and other publications that printed stuff have been vindicated.

On the question of spotlight on Smith and Saville's family, I don't think they should be under any spotlight to be fair, as they cannot be held responsible for their family member's disgusting acts, unless it's shown they actively helped to block justice.

Yes, well done Simon Danczuk!

Totally agree with regard to Cyril Smiths family. Leave them out of it. They are not responsible for his actions and will suffer a great deal of backlash because of them.