HC Deb 09 July 1953 vol 517 cc1472-3
29. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent young constables are sent out with instructions to bring in trivial motoring offenders for the purpose of gaining experience in police courts; and whether this practice has the approval of his Department and the Inspectorate of Constabulary.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Hugh Lucas-Tooth)

No such instructions are in force in the Metropolitan Police, and so far as my right hon. and learned Friend is aware no such practice exists in any of the county and borough police forces of England and Wales.

Mr. Shepherd

Is my hon. Friend aware that in a northern county to my knowledge these instructions are given to young constables—they are given five minor points of trouble to look for in parked cars such as no waterproof licence cover? Does he not think it is desirable, from the point of view of establishing the right relationship between the police and the motorist, to discourage these practices?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I am not aware of that. If my hon. Friend will send particulars I will certainly have them looked into.