HC Deb 27 April 1972 vol 835 cc1759-61
25. Mr. Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints were made against the police in forces in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan Police, in each of the last three years; and what proportion of these complaints were substantiated.

Mr. Maudling

There were 11,814 in 1969; 12,044 in 1970; and 12,271 in 1971. The proportions were 102 per cent., 8.9 per cent. and 8.7 per cent.

Mr. Fowler

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. In view of the current criticism of the police, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he agrees that the figures show that, generally, the standards of the police are exceptionally high in this matter? Would he not also agree that the figures indicate that many of the complaints are made either irresponsibly or with malice?

Mr. Maudling

I think that is true. It is essential that all complaints should be investigated, and they are, but it is all too easy to make complaints. It is a one-way option. If someone is in trouble with the police, he makes a complaint. If he succeeds he wins. If he does not succeed, he does not lose.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I accept that the police are often wrongly accused by those who make charges against them, but I am sure that the Home Secretary appreciates the necessity of retaining public confidence in police practice. In view of that, may I ask whether he has given any consideration to the possibility of some independent element in police inquiries, or some form of appeal to an independent ombudsman?

Mr. Maudling

I dealt with this whole question when I made a statement in the House not long ago. If it is a serious offence, and the complaint involves possible criminal proceedings, the independent Director of Public Prosecutions is responsible for investigating it.

Mr. Buck

Can my right hon. Friend say how many commendations and how many letters of appreciation have been received over a similar period? There are large numbers of them, and they often far outstrip the number of complaints, certainly in my county.

Mr. Maudling

I shall be happy to give those figures if my hon. Friend puts down a Question.

Mr. J. T. Price

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many complaints he has received from the Police Federation and organisations representing the police forces in this country about the notorious circular published by the Home Office some years ago entitled "How to make a complaint against the police"? Has the circular been amended? Will the right hon. Gentleman take it from me and from others who have taken an interest in this matter that there is deep resentment about the terms in which the circular was drafted, and that it has come into the possession of many of the criminal classes who have grossly abused its terms?

Mr. Maudling

I would require notice of that question because I believe that the circular in question was issued by the previous Administration.