HC Deb 21 March 1946 vol 420 cc2010-1
13. Mr. Sparks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the fact that precepted local authorities in the Metropolitan Police district have no advisory or other status in the control and management of the Metropolitan Police Force, and the fact that they contribute a substantial sum annually to the Metropolitan Police Fund, he will create a means by which the local authorities concerned may jointly discuss matters of mutual concern with a view to making recommendations to him from time to time.

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. The control and management of the Metropolitan Police Force are vested by statute in the Commissioner of Police, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, and I can see no occasion for the creation of any formal body such as is contemplated in the Question. The local authorities are, of course, free to approach the Commissioner or myself at any time on matters affecting their local interests, and, in fact, do so.

Mr. Sparks

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these precepted local authorities suffer from taxation without the benefit of representation, and that they contribute nearly £6 million a year to the Metropolitan Police Fund without having a voice in management? Will he not reconsider the matter with the view of establishing an advisory committee for precepted local authorities to consider questions which jointly affect them?

Mr. Ede

These authorities are in no different position from local authorities in every county area where the standing joint committee first precepts on the county council, and the county council then precepts on the constituent local authorities.