§ 39. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about local authorities establishing police committees; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawWe have recently received representations from one hon. Member about the police unit of the London strategic policy unit, and from another hon. Member and several members of the public about the monitoring unit set up by Manchester city council. We have in the past received other representations from a number of hon. Members and the public on this subject.
I deplore the activities of these committees and the so-called monitoring groups. They appear to be more interested in trying to drive a wedge between the community and the police than in improving understanding and co-operation. They have no statutory locus in policing matters either within the Metropolitan police district or in the provinces.