§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that full consultation on the Metropolitan police force reorganisation takes place before any proposals are put into practice; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawAs my right hon. and learned Friend made clear in the debate on the Metropolitan police on 28 June column 1204) the basic principles of the reorganisation are now fixed; but within the new structure which has been announced many important questions remain to be decided. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is fully committed to wide consultation on the detailed development and application of the principles. As part of the continuing consultative process, he has recently sought views from over 170 bodies and individuals (including right hon. and hon. Members for constituencies within the Metropolitan police district) on a proposal to set up the eight new areas in September so that detailed discussions on a range of local issues can take place.