6. Mr. Gould askedthe Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from individuals and organisations concerning the proposed reorganisation of the management structure of the Metropolitan police.
§ Mr. BrittanI have received representations about various aspects of the reorganisation from six organisations and from a number of hon. Members.
§ Mr. GouldWhy were the consultative committees not consulted about the matter before the decision was taken in principle? Is there not a danger that the reorganisation, although aimed at decentralisation, will mean in some boroughs, although perhaps not in my own, that the consultative committees will find it more difficult to liaise with the police authorities at local level?
§ Mr. BrittanIt is reasonable for the Commissioner to make arrangements about the internal organisation and management of the force in consultation with the police authority, but I agree that continued effective consultation arrangements are of great importance, and it is on those matters that there will be discussions with borough and district councils, community-police consultative groups and representatives of local communities about the arrangements in each area. I hope that they will lead to an arrangement that is satisfactory for all concerned.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that probably the best way to improve the management structure of the Metropolitan police would be for it to have an officer class, in the same way as the armed forces, specifically trained and recruited for that purpose?
Mr. BritainI do not myself feel that that would be the most constructive way forward, but I understand the concerns reflected by my hon. Friend.