§ 103. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consult with the principal organisations representing road users before sanctioning the use of plain clothes motor patrols in the Metropolitan area and before giving his support to the extension of the Oxfordshire scheme to other counties.
§ Mr. EdeAs I said in reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport, North (Wing Commander Hulbert), on 25th January last, the measures taken by the police to prevent and detect breaches of the law are primarily the responsibility of the chief officer of police and my sanction is not94W required either in the Metropolitan area or elsewhere. I have, however, discussed the use of plain clothes patrols with representatives of the motoring organisations and with chief officers of police and have informed them that I support this attempt to secure a reduction in road casualties by checking reckless and inconsiderate behaviour by a minority of motorists.