HC Deb 17 July 1952 vol 503 cc2331-2
54. Mr. Ede

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions he has consulted the Police Council on the implementation of Part II of the Oaksey Committee's Report; and on whom rests the responsibility for the delay in announcing the steps to be taken to give effect to the recommendations contained in that part of the report.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

Since my right hon. and learned Friend assumed office three meetings of the Police Council have been held, at which major matters arising on Part II of the Oaksey Committee's Report have been discussed. A further meeting will be held later this month. He has also, at their request, had long discussions with constituent bodies. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, various sections represented on the Police Council hold strong, and sometimes conflicting, views on some of these recommendations and my right hon. and learned Friend would not wish to apportion blame for the protracted nature of the discussions. To implement some of the recommendations would require legislation.

Mr. Ede

How far is there any coming together of the various interests represented?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I prefer not to add to what I have said, in view of the fact that discussions on these matters are proceeding.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that the Police Federation of Great Britain are of the opinion that responsibility for the hold-up in these negotiations lies with the Association of Municipal Corporations' Police Committee? Will he ask his right hon. and learned Friend, if he finds there is deliberate obstruction in getting this matter dealt with, to use the powers which he has of dealing with the matter?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

As I said, it is much better not to try at this stage to apportion blame in any way.

55. Mr. Ede

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the representatives of the police authorities on the Police Council have yet agreed to any scheme for the negotiating machinery recommended in the second part of the Oaksey Committee's Report.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

The committee of the Police Council which the right hon. Gentleman set up to examine the Oaksey Committee's recommendations in detail has just submitted its report, which my right hon. and learned Friend has circulated to members of the Police Council in connection with its forthcoming meeting. He regrets to say that the report makes it clear that some serious differences of opinion remain to be resolved.