HC Deb 06 December 1962 vol 668 cc221-2W
51. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what date he has asked local authorities to give their considered comments on the Report of the Royal Commission on the Police.

Mr. Brooke

Some comments from the local authority associations have reached me already, and I expect to receive the rest in the course of this month.

52. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to formulate proposals on those recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Police which do not concern local authorities.

Mr. Brooke

The only substantial group of recommendations which do not closely concern local authorities are those dealt with in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Sir G. Wills) on 29th November.

Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, since the Royal Commission on the Police was asked to report as a matter of urgency, he expects to introduce legislation during this Session in order to carry out some or all of their proposals.

Mr. Brooke

The Government did not, in fact, ask the Royal Commission to report as a matter of urgency; but there will be no avoidable delay in reaching conclusions on their recommendations. As regards legislation this Session, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 13th November by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Accrington (Mr. H. Hynd). I have already implemented an important recommendation of the Commission which does not require legislation.