HC Deb 07 April 1977 vol 929 c592W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the interest of improving police efficiency and their place in the community, he will consider a change in the constitution of police authorities to permit a limited number of co-opted members thereof.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

A police authority is composed of county councilors—two-thirds—and magistrates—one-third; the composition is fixed by statute and it cannot lawfully co-opt additional members. It can, however, invite observers to attend its meetings, or advisers to give their views on specific items of business. On present information I can see no reason to alter this.