HC Deb 02 April 1953 vol 513 cc1360-1
51. Mr. Ede

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in finding a permanent site for the police college, which is now in temporary accommodation at Ryton-on-Dunsmore.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

My right hon. and learned Friend is glad to say that the Government has acquired Bramshill House and part of the surrounding park for a permanent home for the Police College. The House, which is of great historical interest and of outstanding architectural merit, will form the nucleus for the college, and the new building which will be necessary will be put in hand as soon as economic circumstances permit. He has throughout acted in consultation with representatives of police authorities and of all ranks of the police service, who have expressed their confidence in the work which has been carried on since the college was established in 1948, and their hope that it would be possible to find a permanent home for the college fully in keeping with its objects.

Bramshill has been purchased from Lord Brocket, who has taken great pains over its maintenance, and my right hon. and learned Friend has given assurances that the utmost care will be taken to see that the house is not impaired by the development which will be necessary on the site. Lord Brocket had given certain restrictive covenants to the National Trust and these covenants will, of course, be strictly observed. My right hon. and learned Friend is most grateful to Lord Brocket for his ready understanding of the desirability of providing as the centrepiece of a college which is devoted to the training of the higher ranks of the police a building rich in history and tradition.

Mr. Ede

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the additional buildings put up do not in any way detract from the architectural interest of the building which now exists?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that my right hon. and learned Friend has that consideration very much in mind.

Mr. Sparks

Would the hon. Gentleman say if it is possible to increase the scope for serving constables to graduate to the police college to become qualified for the higher appointments in the service?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

That is going rather wide of the original Question.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Can the Minister say what we have paid for this place?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

Not without notice.