§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last discussed with chief officers of police the principle that no police officer should incite the commission of a criminal offence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThis principle is already clearly stated in the consolidated circular to the police on crime and kindred matters, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. My right hon. and learned Friend has had no formal discussions with chief officers of police on the issue, but I understand that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis intends to amend his force general orders, in which the same principle is already reflected, to give that principle greater prominence in the context of orders covering the deployment of police officers on plain clothes duties.