HC Deb 20 November 1969 vol 791 cc1500-1
22. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek to arrange for the responsibility for school crossing patrols to be transferred from the Metropolitan Police to the local authorities.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

My right hon. Friend has asked the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to discuss the possible transfer of responsibility with the education authorities in the Metropolitan Police District. Any such change would require legislation.

Mr. Hunt

I warmly welcome that answer, as far as it goes, but is my hon. Friend aware that I have two separate examples in my constituency, in Mead Way and Hayes Lane, where applications for school crossing patrols have been supported by parents, teachers, governors and managers of the schools concerned and have yet been turned down? How can a police commissioner sitting in New Scotland Yard know all the local factors involved? Will that point be borne in mind in the discussions that will now take place?

Mrs. Williams

As the hon. Member implies, the situation is otherwise outside London. Talks are to be held to see whether we cannot bring the situation within London into line with what happens outside it.

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend aware that some aspects of that answer were given to me nearly 12 months ago, since when nothing has happened? Is she further aware that many police forces and local authorities would prefer local authorities to be responsible for the provision of this service? Will she do all that she can to hasten this wish into a reality?

Mrs. Williams

Yes, Sir.