§ 39. Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which members of his staff visited the United States of America recently to study American police methods; what new experience they have gathered; and what action he intends to take in consequence of their visit.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 12th November to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Henley (Mr. Hay).
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, without any disrespect to the excellent officers concerned, the visit was received with 1314 some astonishment in American towns where the problems which they investigated are more rampant and far less effectively dealt with than in this country? Will he give the House an assurance that he will be highly selective in introducing American police methods into this country?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeYes. The second question was really outside the considerations which I mentioned in answer to the Question of my hon. Friend. That was the study of the treatment of certain forms of offence which I think everyone will agree always provide one of the most difficult problems in the world.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider inviting, as a friendly reciprocal action, an American police delegation to come here to study police methods so that we may both help to improve each other?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am sure that that is what we all want.