HL Deb 17 March 1977 vol 381 cc226-7WA
Lord INGLEWOOD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (i) why 5th May has been selected for the Police Silver Jubilee Review at Hendon, which coincides with polling for election to local authorities, when the members of police authorities invited are likely to be occupied with the final stages of the election campaigns and attendance at polling stations will mean extra duty for many police constables in their home area; and
  2. (ii) whether it is intended that the general public shall be invited to witness the parade.

The MINISTER of STATE, HOME OFFICE (Lord Harris of Greenwich)

  1. (i) My right honourable friend is considering this aspect of the matter and I will write to the noble Lord as soon as possible.
  2. (ii) Although on previous occasions of a similar nature, formal parades of police officers were viewed, we take the view that the nature of the modern Police Service makes such a parade inappropriate. Her Majesty agrees with this view and during the time She is at Hendon She will be able to meet and talk informally to individual members of the Police Service and their wives. Those present will include groups from each police force in the United Kingdom and the Channel 227 Islands and the Isle of Man and the larger employers' forces. Chief officers, who will be selecting those who are to be invited, have been asked to ensure that the names they submit include representatives of all branches of the police service, including civilians and special constables. It will not be possible for the general public to be present, but arrangements are being made for representatives of the media to cover the event.