§ 12. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many coloured police officers are serving with the Metropolitan Police at present; and how many were serving in 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971.
§ Mr. MaudlingTwelve The numbers serving on 31st December in each year were: 1968, 3; 1969, 4; 1970, 7; and 1971, 11.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that the rate of recruitment is quite appalling and that urgent research ought to be undertaken into why the figures are so disappointing? Does he recognise that recruitment of coloured people into the police might be one of the best ways of eliminating so much of the mutual suspicion which now exists between the police and the immigrant community?
§ Mr. MaudlingI agree that the figures are disappointing. They have been at this kind of level for many years now. Research into the reasons for this would be a complex operation. I am satisfied that chief officers of police generally, including the Metropolitan Police, are anxious to do all that they can to recruit more coloured people into the police forces.
§ Mr. FowlerDoes my right hon. Friend agree that, although this is undoubtedly a difficult problem, the number of police recruited reflects the number of applicants and the number of applications which are made? Does he further agree that the Metropolitan Police are anxious to recruit more coloured policemen into the service and that, therefore, any suggestion that this shows that there is some bias in recruitment policy is entirely wrong?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes. I think that that is absolutely right.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsAs the figures are so low and as it is so important to have good relations between the police and the immigrant community, should not special efforts be made to recruit from schools which have a high proportion of immigrant children? May I also suggest the possibility of considering whether an immigrant should be attached on a civilian basis to those forces which have to deal with many immigrant cases?
§ Mr. MaudlingSpecial efforts are being and have been made for some time in areas where there is a substantial immigrant population. I shall gladly examine the hon. Lady's suggestions.