HC Deb 06 July 1978 vol 953 cc648-50
23. Mr. Sims

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has discussed with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis his report for the year 1977.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Sims

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that London Members were very impressed with the Commissioner's report, which contained cogent comments on the current crime and policing situation? Has the right hon. Gentleman discussed with the Commissioner the extremely interesting research into the abuse of bail? Also, does he feel that that abuse of bail will increase or decrease as a result of the implementation of the Bail Act?

Mr. Rees

It is a very good resport and it was submitted to me as the police authority. Regarding its timing, the hon. Gentleman has noticed what other people did not notice—that the Commissioner was referring to a period before the Bail Act became operative. I have looked at the matter. From his own experience, the hon. Gentleman will recognise that if that was the situation before the Bail Act—I make no other comment—it is up to me to discover whether the new Bail Act will have an effect. As far as I can see, it will not change the situation. The basic question is for the magistrates and others. It is not a matter for the Executive. If there is a problem, it should be brought to the notice of those who grant bail, and that includes the police.

Mr. Mayhew

As regards the working of the Bail Act, does the Home Secretary recall that the financial and explanatory memorandum to the Bill said that it would have no significant effect on public service manpower? Is it not the case that in the inner London magistrates' courts alone the establishment of clerical officers has just been increased by 37? Is that not due to the Bail Act?

Mr. Rees

I think that it would be better if the hon. and learned Gentleman waited for an answer on the next Question, because that is where it applies.

Mr. Pavitt

Will my right hon. Friend give further consideration to the section dealing with recruitment of police in the metropolitan area from ethnic minorities, especially in areas where there is a large ethnic mixture? If he is unable to improve upon the campaign to recruit from ethnic groups, will he consider giving public relations work to people who may not become police officers but who could do something in those areas?

Mr. Rees

I discussed this with the Commissioner. There has been an increase in the number of people from ethnic minorities joining the police. I hope, and the Commissioner hopes, that this will continue. My hon. Friend will also find that the kind of work mentioned by the hon. Member for Honiton (Mr. Emery) is taking place in the Metropoli- tan Police. I suggest that my hon. Friend talks to the Commissioner, because I know that he would be pleased to have any advice about my hon. Friend's area.

Mr. David Howell

This Question is about discussions with the Commissioner. Has the Home Secretary discussed with the Commissioner the Edmund-Davies report which he has in front of him? Has he discussed it with journalists, who seem to know all about it, according to the newspapers? As he was waving it about in the Chamber a little while ago would it not now be courteous to let the House of Commons see it straight away?

Mr. Rees

I do not think that courtesy arises. I was trying to show that if there is a report of that size it would be a good idea if I had a look at it before I discussed it with anybody, other wise, we should have the classical instantaneous response from the hon. Gentleman. I discussed this with the Commissioner the other evening.

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