§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on progress in implementing his policy towards police officer membership of masonic institutions; how many police officers are known to be members of such institutions; in which divisions and departments they are; if any action has been taken in respect of them; if any staff resources are currently devoted to investigating such links; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that his policy — which we fully support — is to ensure that Metropolitan police officers are in no doubt as to their obligation both to be and to be seen to be impartial. Advice on freemasonry is contained in "The Principles of Policing and Guidance for Professional Behaviour", which is issued to all members of the force. No staff resources are devoted to establishing the numbers of police officers who are freemasons and no information is available on this or the other matters about which the hon. Member asks.