§ 6. Captain FOXCROFTasked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that he possesses powers over the local police forces sufficient to enable them to act, under all contingencies, in the public interest?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIn the existing police system of this country there is a combination of central and local responsibility which seems rather complicated, but it is well understood by those most concerned and, in practice, gives satisfactory results on the whole. The large number of separate police forces, some of them very small, undoubtedly introduces an element of weakness, and it would be an advantage if their number were reduced. But, apart from this, I do not consider it necessary for me to ask for further powers.
§ Sir JAMES REMNANTHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to recommend the merging of some of these smaller forces?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no power to do that without the sanction of Parliament, but I have advised on various occasions that very small forces should be merged. Naturally, however, there is the greatest reluctance on the part of local authorities to lose control of their own police.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANDoes the Home Secretary accept the suggestion in this question that the police do not act in the public interest?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have not noticed that suggestion in the question.
§ Mr. MACLEANThen read it again.
8. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Home Secretary whether he has made any new regulations, and, if so, what are they, to differentiate between the powers of a constable and a special constable?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer is in the negative.