HC Deb 23 July 1942 vol 382 cc170-2
41. Sir P. Harris

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the interests of police efficiency, he will consider the question of amalgamating some, at any rate, of the smaller police forces?

Mr. H. Morrison

As my right hon. Friend is aware, the question whether a merger of the smaller police forces, as recommended by a Select Committee in 1932 and the case of Scotland by a Departmental Committee in 1933, would be desirable has been a matter of controversy, and I do not think that it would be right in war-time to reopen the question whether mergers would be advantageous for the purpose of facilitating the ordinary work of the police in preventing offences and enforcing the criminal law.

On the other hand, war developments have introduced new considerations which make it necessary, as a war-time measure, that there should be power to require the amalgamation of police forces in areas where the Secretary of State is satisfied that amalgamation is necessary for facilitating naval, military or air force operations. The necessary powers for this limited purpose are being taken by Defence Regulations. Under these Regulations the Secretary of State will be empowered to make an Order providing for the amalgamation of two or more police forces, in areas of the character referred to, and to constitute a joint police area, a joint police force and a joint police authority. The Order will also make provision for the expenses of the joint force and for the appointment of a chief constable of that force.

Before making any such Order, I propose to consult the police authorities concerned. The same procedure will be followed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. Any amalgamation which may be effected under the new powers will, of course, lapse when the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act comes to an end, and they can be continued only if Parliament so decides after a review of all the circumstances at the end of the war.

Mr. Rhys Davies

In view of the differences of opinion on this subject, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether the suggested Regulation will be open to Debate in the House?

Mr. Morrison

My hon. Friend no doubt knows the procedure which applies to Defence Regulations which are the result of Orders in Council.

Sir H. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the gentleman who prepares his replies to Questions to read the circular which the Minister himself has sent out on this matter?

Mr. Kirkwood

Seeing that Scotland will be implicated here, will Scottish authorities be consulted by the Secretary of State for Scotland before this arrangement is put into effect?

Mr. Morrison

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland in- forms me that he has met local authorities in Scotland, and I can say the same as regards local authorities in England and Wales.

Mr. Marshall

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to get the consent of local authorities on this very important subject?