HC Deb 15 May 1958 vol 588 cc599-600
40. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with his present powers of investigation relative to provincial police forces; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The responsibility for maintaining an efficient police force is placed by law on the police authority for the force. The Secretary of State's duty is to satisfy himself that this responsibility is being properly discharged. He does so on the basis of reports by Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary. I do not think that any additional powers are required for this purpose.

Dr. Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend not aware of the public concern at the recent revelation in regard to the provincial police forces? In addition to his present powers, will he not also take powers to investigate complaints made by members of the public when put through their Members of Parliament? Am I not correct in saying that, for instance, in the recent Brighton case the abuses that came to light had been going on for many years before they came to a head at the trial?

Mr. Butler

I cannot comment on the two cases which are at present sub judice, namely, Brighton and Worcester. The case of Brighton is sub judice because the appeal of the Chief Constable still lies to me, as Home Secretary, and I would rather not comment pending the determination of that appeal. But I understand the anxiety on this matter, and I have made it the subject of inquiry, with the aid of my Inspectors of Constabulary. If a Member of Parliament wishes to put any point to me, he has immediate access to me, and I shall be glad to hear anything he says.

Mr. Gordon Walker

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is here a rather difficult problem which should be looked into, namely, that it is anomalous that this House has ultimate responsibility for the Metropolitan Police but no responsibility at all, as far as I can see, for other police forces in the country? He will be aware that very grave problems are raised in this matter. Nobody wants to turn the whole police into a politically-controlled force, but does not he agree that there is a problem which needs inquiry?

Mr. Butler

I do not think that the problem needs inquiry, but it exists, because the Secretary of State is primarily responsible for the Metropolitan Police Force and area—and it is a very large force—but has direct powers only in certain matters relating to chief constables, and a certain responsibility, through the Government, for grants. Otherwise, he is not responsible for provincial police forces.