§ 12. Mr. BrandrethTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to visit the Cheshire constabulary to discuss his current legislative proposals affecting the police; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardI visited Blacon police station, in my hon. Friend's constituency on 9 May, where I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of questions with the local police.
§ Mr. BrandrethI thank my right hon. and learned Friend for taking the time and trouble to visit the fine community of Blacon and for taking time to talk to the police and members of the community about their concerns. Is he aware of the fact that in the city of Chester the crime rate is now down and the detection rate up? The police officers in Chester welcome every addition to their armoury in the fight against crime—a fight which they are waging with increasing success.
§ Mr. HowardI entirely agree. The police officers I met in Blacon were keen to tell me about their progress in the fight against crime and of the high regard in which my hon. Friend is held.
§ Mr. MillerIt is a pity that while the Home Secretary was visiting my constituency—he was launching the European campaign of the local candidate, who is likely to fail—he did not take the trouble to meet the chief constable. Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman congratulate Ellesmere Port and Neston borough council on the work that it is doing, in conjunction with many local companies, to dissuade young people from getting involved in dangerous activities that take up the time of railway police and the fire brigade and inconvenience many businesses? Will he also congratulate the "Pioneer" newspaper on its work on drugs?
§ Mr. HowardI can tell the hon. Gentleman that the occasion that took me to his constituency—the launch of the candidacy of David Senior, the excellent Conservative candidate for that Euro-seat—was extremely well attended. All those who were present will be campaigning vigorously for Mr. Senior as soon as the current truce is over.