§ 71. Mr. Kellyasked the Minister of Transport from what localities applications have been received for his consent to enable chief constables to use identification marks and numbers on a police patrol motor car which vary from the marks and numbers stated on the Road Fund licence displayed on the motor car?
§ Mr. BurginI do not think the public interest would be served by my specifying the particular localities in which this exceptional course has been adopted.
§ Mr. KellyCannot the right hon. Gentleman state, even if not specifying the district, how many of these applications he has received, as this practice is growing and is not to the advantage of the Force?
§ Mr. BurginMy information is that the Commissioner of Police is satisfied that any practice of this kind is of utility only in very special circumstances, and I agree.
§ Mr. KellyBy the Commissioner of Police, does the right hon. Gentleman mean London? I also asked about places other than London.
§ 88. Mr. Kellyasked the Home Secretary why the practice at one time obtaining in the Metropolitan police of changing the identification mark and number of police motor cars was discontinued; and whether he will state the nature of any Home Office memoranda to provincial chief constables in respect of this practice?
§ Mr. LloydThe Commissioner of Police is satisfied that under the conditions obtaining in London any such practice is of utility only in very special circumstances. No memorandum has been issued by the Home Office to provincial chief constables on the subject.
§ Mr. KellyMay I ask when this practice was discontinued, particularly having regard to the answer given by the Minister of Transport this afternoon?
§ Mr. LloydI cannot give the exact date, but there has been a change of ideas in regard to this matter and it is not the intention to continue them.