§ 34. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to a letter, a copy of which has been sent to him, addressed by a local representative of the Police Federation of England and Wales to the hon. Member for South Dorset, which made representations about the effect of Government action on the morale of the police force; and what reply he has sent.
§ Sir F. SoskiceI am determined to do all I can to strengthen the police and maintain their morale in their fight against crime. While I fully understand the view of the Police Federation, I cannot think that it would be right to retain the death penalty for murders of police officers on duty if it is to be abolished for all other murders. I have replied to the hon. Member on these lines.