§ 22. Mr. Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the present rôle given to the inspectors of constabulary, including the chief inspector; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarlisleHer Majesty's inspectors of constabulary, including the chief inspector, have certain statutory duties, prescribed in the Police Act 1964. I regard the inspectorate as extremely valuable in providing a link between the Home Office and the police service.
§ Mr. FowlerI do not dispute that last statement, but I draw my hon. and learned Friend's attention to the article touching on this problem which appeared in The Guardian last month. Is it not a great pity that the police service is losing a man of the experience of Frank Williamson? Will not my hon. and learned Friend examine the position to see whether inspectors of constabulary, in view of their experience, play a sufficient part in making decisions on police policy?
§ Mr. CarlisleI welcome the great contribution that Mr. Frank Williamson made in his time with the police and particularly with the inspectorate, and I have read the article to which my hon. Friend refers. The inspectorate plays an important rôle in that it both inspects and reports to the Secretary of State on the efficiency of all police forces. I hope there is no feeling that its rôle has been diminished. That is certainly not the wish of the Home Office.
§ Mr. Arthur DavidsonWhat plans has the hon. and learned Gentleman for bringing in an independent body to examine complaints made against the police force? Has he any such plans, and when are they likely to be implemented?
§ Mr. CarlisleI have great admiration for the hon. Gentleman, but for him to get that in as a supplementary on this Question exceeds all ingenuity. I understand that one of his hon. Friends has a Private Member's Bill dealing with complaints, and we must await publication of it.