§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that responsibility for the investigation of major international crimes involving(a) foreign Governments and (b) state prosecutors in other countries is devolved to the Metropolitan police. [9022]
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§ Mr. MichaelThe investigation of crime is primarily a matter for the police force in whose area the offence occurred. All chief officers may call for, and be asked to provide, assistance in such investigations, whether the offence was committed in this country or elsewhere. The Metropolitan police exceptionally takes the lead in providing assistance in respect of hostage situations involving British citizens abroad. As the present arrangements are tried and tested, I see no reason to change them.