§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the extent of the support given to his proposals for amalgamation of the police forces; to what extent local government watch committees have been given an 321W opportunity to put their points of view to him; and what have been his replies.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsIn most areas, discussions between the police authorities concerned are in progress, and model amalgamation schemes have been provided by my Department for their guidance. Already 33 police authorities have informed me of their agreement in principle. Three police authorities have said formally that they are unwilling to amalgamate, but I hope that these views are not final. Five authorities have proposed alternative arrangements; after consideration, I have informed four of them that their suggestions are, to my regret, not acceptable; the proposals of the fifth have just been received. There have been informal discussions between my Department and a number of police authorities, and further discussions are being arranged with the Association of Municipal Corporations, the North Western County Boroughs Association and four police authorities to discuss my proposals or their suggestions.
Number not decided on 30th September 1964* Number of recommendations made Number set aside on appeal to higher court Number of deportation orders made Number of recommendations not acted upon Number not decided on 31st May 1966* 172 705 37 429 257 154 * Recommendations are not usually considered until near the end of an offender's prison sentence.