HL Deb 07 December 1949 vol 165 c1261

2.40 p.m.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands on the Order Paper in my name.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the second Part of the Oaksey Committee's Report has yet been received, and, if so, on what date; and when it is intended to publish it.]

LORD CHORLEY

My Lords, the Report was received on November 1. I understand that it will be published next week.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, I am grateful to the Government for that reply. I take it that after noble Lords have read the Report there will be no objection to a debate, if it can be arranged through the usual channels.

LORD CHORLEY

That can certainly be arranged.

LORD BADELEY

My Lords, may I ask whether, if Part II of the Report is as unsuccessful as Part I in attracting recruits to the Police Force, and does nothing to alleviate the dissatisfaction in the Service over stagnation in promotion, machinery can still be found for referring these matters back to the committee? Or have the committee ceased to function?

LORD CHORLEY

My Lords, I understand that after the Report has been received the committee will cease to function. But presumably there will be no reason why that committee, or some other, should not be set up to deal with any difficulties found to exist after the Report has been published and studied.

LORD BADELEY

I am obliged to the noble Lord. I am afraid that this will not be a case of de mortuis nil nisi bonwn.