§ Mr Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will now amend the police regulations to allow men to enter the police forces at the same height as women, or alternatively abolish all height regulations; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what reasons exist for height regulations limiting entry into police forces; and if he will carry out a study into the effect of such regulations on recruitment and manpower.
§ Mr. BrittanWe see no reason to review or amend the police regulations 141W relating to the present minimum height standards. Their basis is that police officers who are of less than the average height for their sex lack the presence and authority which the public expect; but they permit recruitment of applicants whose exceptional qualities or experience outweigh the fact that they do not meet the prescribed height standards.