HC Deb 05 May 1966 vol 727 cc1854-5
38. Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to enable him to issue directions to the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and to chief constables to refrain from issuing racially and religiously prejudicial descriptions in connection with wanted persons.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Dick Taverne)

My right hon. Friend is confident that chief officers ensure that descriptions issued by their forces are as accurate and precise as possible, and are in no way affected by prejudice. He does not therefore think it appropriate or necessary to seek the powers suggested.

Mr. Freeson

Does my hon. and learned Friend or his right hon. Friend consider it accurate to issue such descriptions as being of foreign or of Jewish appearance? Will he please consider this matter again and be prepared to receive representations on it? This practice is offensive, valueless and foolish.

Mr. Taverne

Every police officer will try to secure specific details wherever possible rather than vague and unsatisfactory general descriptions, but the question arises of what happens if no details are available. I do not think that these descriptions are necessarily prejudicial, or that one should seek to hamper the police in circulating descriptions which might help to fight crime.