§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the Government's plans for prosecution arrangements in the metropolitan counties on the reorganisation of local government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanProsecuting solicitors' departments in the metropolitan counties are administered by the county council or the police authority. If Parliament passes legislation next Session implementing our proposals for an independent prosecution service, we intend to bring this legislation into operation in the five metropolitan counties which are police areas, and in the Northumbria police area —which includes Tyne and Wear—with effect from 1 April 1986. The effect will be that responsibility for prosecution arrangements in those areas will be transferred to the new service headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions under the superintendence of the Attorney-General.