HC Deb 04 August 1966 vol 733 cc673-4
29. Mr. Whitaker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of regular police officers in England and Wales are coloured; and how this figure compares with coloured people's proportion of the total population there.

Mr. Taverne

There are about 85,000 regular police officers in England and Wales. One coloured officer was attested at Coventry earlier this year and is now serving, and a second will be attested at Birmingham next month. As there are no official population statistics based on colour I cannot answer the second part of this Question.

Mr. Whitaker

In view of the fact that between 1 and 2 per cent. of the population of the country are coloured, is not the proportion in the police force rather conspicuous in a body of men which is now responsible for enforcing legislation against racial discrimination?

Mr. Taverne

I do not think that the proportion is necessarily significant, because many of the coloured population are recent arrivals in the country who may not wish to apply. I agree that it is desirable that there should be more coloured applicants to the police coming forward. I am glad to see that more suitable coloured applicants are now coming forward, and, as I said in reply to a Question on 26th May, my right hon. Friend is now taking steps with youth employment officers to encourage more coloured applicants to come forward.

Sir C. Osborne

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman accept the statement made by his hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Whitaker) that the coloured population is now between 1 and 2 per cent.? Secondly, why did his right hon. Friend open the flood gates to still further increases——

Mr. Speaker

Order. That does not arise on this Question.

Sir C. Osborne

It affects whether the number of police——

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must accept my Ruling. It does not arise on this Question.