§ 4. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will initiate discussions with chief constables with a view to creating a code of practice concerning the use of uniformed police officers to arrest citizens for non-payment of small fines.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Alexander W. Lyon)No, Sir. The present arrangements are largely deter- 1650 mined by the practical considerations in the area concerned and we know of no cause for general criticism.
§ Mr. JannerMay I raise a cause for particular criticism? Does my hon. Friend recall the case of a Mr. Lock, in my constituency, to whose home two uniformed police officers came in a general purpose van with a warrant to arrest him for a disputed balance of 50p for a parking fine? Does not my hon. Friend consider this to be a shocking misuse and waste of the time of police officers, and does not he realise the effect of such a visit in a working-class neighbourhood upon neighbours and others?
§ Mr. LyonI can well understand the emotions that went through Mr. Lock's mind. I have written to my hon. and learned Friend about this matter. He will recollect from that letter that there had been three previous visits by plainclothes officials—who did not arrive in any form of police vehicle—before the van arrived.
§ Mr. JannerOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek an early opportunity of raising the matter on Adjournment.