§ 15. Mr. Fitchasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the results obtained by the use of police dogs by the Metropolitan Police; and if he will provide information to local police authorities concerning the use which can be made of these animals for police purposes.
§ Mr. RentonThe Metropolitan Police have found dogs most useful in the prevention and detection of crime. Local police authorities should be able to obtain information from their chief officers of police as to the ways in which dogs can be used for tracking and searching and general preventive work but my right hon. Friend will be glad to advise any police authority if requested.
§ Mr. FitchWould the Joint Under-Secretary agree that training arrangements for dogs and for dog handlers should be co-ordinated, and would not this make for more efficient service?
§ Mr. RentonThere is some co-ordination already through the police training centres. As I have said, advice can be given to the police authorities concerned if application is made to my right hon. Friend. I should point out that the use of dogs for police work is increasing, which is some sign that the training is adequate. Last year nearly 1,000 arrests were made with the help of police dogs.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodCan the hon. and learned Gentleman say whether the Metropolitan Police have discontinued the practice of using dogs for apprehending women?
§ Mr. RentonI should require notice of that question.