HC Deb 12 March 1931 vol 249 cc1365-6
38. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the fact that the police are to a large extent occupied with minor offences against the Motor Car Acts and breaches of local by-laws, he will consider setting up a committee to inquire into the distribution of police duties so as to ensure a greater amount of attention to the detection and prosecution of serious crime?

Mr. CLYNES

It is true that the police are called upon to perform many duties in addition to their primary duty of the maintenance of order, and the prevention and detection of crime, but these duties are nevertheless of great public value. The proper adjustment of the organisation and distribution of the police to the various duties which devolve upon theta is under the constant consideration of the police authorities and chief officers of police of the several forces, who have the advice and assistance of His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary if it is required, and I do not think the appointment of a committee would be likely to serve any useful purpose at the present time.

Mr. HALL-CAINE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the amazing disparity between the number of prosecutions for crime between 1928 and 1911, and does he not think that a committee should be set up on this matter?

Mr. CLYNES

The last report relating to this question drew attention to organisation and distribution, but the latter part of my answer makes it clear that everything is being done to deal with it.

Captain PETER MACDONALD

Is it not a fact that a very large number of cabs on the streets of London are obsolete?

Mr. CLYNES

That question does not arise?

Mr. HALL-CAINE

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a statement made by Mr. Justice McCardie on this subject?

Mr. CLYNES

My attention has not been specially drawn to that statement, but I have read it.

Earl WINTERTON

Even if the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to set up a committee, will he be good enough to consider representations made by Members of this House and by representative bodies, who might like to make suggestions on this subject.

Mr. CLYNES

I shall be glad to receive suggestions from any hon. Members.

Mr. HALL-CAINE

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment of the House on an early opportunity.

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