§ 14. Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions his Department has had with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the issue of community relations in London.
§ Mr. RaisonCommunity relations is a subject on which regular and close contact is maintained between our officials and the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.
§ Mr. CoxI note that reply. Have recent discussions covered the growing practice of the police demanding passports from people even when they are involved in minor traffic offences? Have there been discussions about the problem, particularly in London, of the increasing number of assaults on people and attacks on property? May we have an assurance that such issues are under constant review by the Department and the Metropolitan Police?
§ Mr. RaisonThese issues are under constant review. Police authorities throughout the country know the position about asking to see passports.
§ Mr. EggarIs my hon. Friend not concerned that certain community relations counsellors in London seem to regard it as part of their duty to undermine the police?
§ Mr. RaisonThe effectiveness of the work of CRCs varies. Overall, we believe that they are making an important contribution.