§ 8. Mr. Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock)When he last met the chief officer of the Royal Parks Constabulary to discuss the powers of constables. [123676]
§ The Minister for the Arts (Mr. Alan Howarth)I have met the acting chief officer of the Royal Parks Constabulary on several occasions to discuss that point. I will meet the new chief executive of the Royal Parks Agency regularly once he takes post on 10 July. I also meet, and receive advice from, the Royal Parks Advisory Board. We shall shortly undertake a review of the Royal Parks Constabulary.
§ Mr. MackinlayWill the Minister confirm that the chief officer of the Royal Parks Constabulary and the 629 chief constables of the Ministry of Defence and the British Transport police have asked for the powers set out in my Police Bill? What is he going to do about that and when?
§ Mr. HowarthAs I said, we shall review the Royal Parks Constabulary, and the issue that my hon. Friend raises will undoubtedly be an important focus of that review.