§ 2.43 p.m.
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will confirm that 500 adults in the United Kingdom have been missing for more than five years in circumstances which give concern for their safety; and whether they will draw to the attention of all chief constables the 1979 recommendation of the Council of Europe on the search for missing persons.
The Minister of State, Home Office (The Earl of Caithness)My Lords, no. Over 500 adults in the United Kingdom have been missing for more than five years, but not all of these are in circumstances which give concern for their safety. New Scotland Yard missing persons bureau is aware of the 1979 recommendations.
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that Answer and for previous Answers to Written Questions. Is he aware that these recommendations appear to be unknown to the police generally? Two friends of mine suffered a great tragedy when their daughter disappeared seven years ago—she has never reappeared—but they have no complaints against the police at Eastbourne where the tragedy occurred. However, on looking into the matter they discovered that there is no generality of understanding or general policy operating in police forces in different parts of the country. As we are a party to these recommendations, and as they lay down specific procedures to be followed, it is suggested, not only in this country but in Europe generally, would it be a good idea at least to make police forces aware of the recommendations, especially as they are so complicated and so detailed?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, as I have said to the noble Lord not only today but in Written Answers, the police forces are aware of the recommendations. But it would be wrong for me to comment on the individual case that the noble Lord mentioned.
§ Baroness FaithfullMy Lords, would my noble friend agree that tribute should be paid to the Salvation Army for the absolutely excellent bureau which it runs for tracing people, particularly children, who have disappeared?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, I should like to join my noble friend in paying tribute to the Salvation Army. Indeed I pay tribute not only to the police and Salvation Army but to all in the DHSS and others who contribute on this front.
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, nevertheless, will the noble Earl be good enough to discuss this matter within his department in order to see if some general procedure can be adopted? I believe he will discover, on looking into the matter again, that it would be much more satisfactory not only to the police forces, but also to the Salvation Army, if some general procedure could be adopted which operated throughout the country.