HC Deb 08 July 1965 vol 715 cc1799-800
10. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable on the work study produced for the West Sussex Police Force and the extent to which it will improve the efficiency of the force; and if he will seek to extend this survey to other forces.

Mr. George Thomas

The report of the survey of the West Sussex Constabulary carried out by the West Sussex County Council O. & M. team was made to the police authority, and it is for them and the chief constable to implement its recommendations. Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary will however keep in touch with what is done. In the search for greater efficiency which is going on in police forces all over the country, the value of O. & M. surveys is recognised. Arrangements were made last year for experimental teams of police officers to be trained in O. & M. work. These teams are now working in several police districts and have produced some useful reports.

Mr. Shepherd

Does not the Minister think that this Answer demonstrates that the powers which the Home Office have under the new Police Act are not sufficient to assure uniform application over the whole country of the best methods of running the police force?

Mr. Thomas

No, Sir.