§ 18. Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the progress in setting up the police community committees in the Metropolitan police area as recommended by the Scarman report.
§ Mr. WhitelawConsultative groups, reflecting the guidelines that I issued in June, are now operating in eight boroughs or districts in the Metropolitan police district. Agreement in principle to set up similar groups has been reached in a further 12 and discussions are continuing in other areas. Given that wide-ranging discussions within the local community are a necessary preliminary to the formation of a group, I am satisfied with the progress that has been made.
§ Mr. LeightonDoes the Home Secretary accept that effective policing is dependent upon the consent, confidence and even participation of those being policed and that these committees can play an effective role in helping to bring that about? Will the right hon. Gentleman use his best endeavours to expedite this development, suggested by Lord Scarman?
§ Mr. WhitelawI have done that ever since the Scarman report was published. I am grateful to all hon. Members on both sides of the House who are taking part in the consultative groups in London and who are playing an important part in them. I hope that some of the councils 413 that are considering excluding Members of Parliament from some of these groups will realise the importance of having Members of Parliament in them.