§ 40. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that on several occasions during the past year people who have lost jewellery and other valuable personal possessions have called in the police to investigate; and whether he will seek to introduce a charge for these services.
§ Mr. Taverne:The police investigate only when they think that a criminal offence may have been committed, so it would not be appropriate to make a charge.
§ 41. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, on Thursday 22nd February at about 10.20 a.m., a police car containing several officers called at a house in Great Cambridge Road, Edmonton; how many officers were involved; whether they received a reply; what were the estimated costs of the manpower involved and of using the car; why this operation was not undertaken by the policeman on the beat; and whether, in view of the shortage, he will seek to conserve manpower in such cases.
§ Mr. Taverne:Despite a considerable expenditure of police time in making inquiries, it has not been possible to identify this incident.