HC Deb 19 March 1971 vol 813 cc411-2W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation he has had with the Police Federation concerning the implementation of Section 1 of the Police Act, 1969; what specific assurances have been asked for; what reply he has made; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maudling

Before the Police Act, 1969 (Commencement No. 3) Order, 1971 was made I consulted the local authority associations and police representative bodies, including the Police Federation. My right hon. Friend had parallel consultations in Scotland. We explained that the Order was required so that full constabulary powers could be made available to certain Metropolitan police officers who are in Northern Ireland assisting in the detection and apprehension of criminals. We have given a specific assurance that police officers in uniform will not be sent to Northern Ireland under Section 1 of the Police Act, 1969 without further full consultation.