HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc761-2W
Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the evidence supplied to him by the hon. Member for Cannock on the effectiveness of short stature police officers; if, in the light of this evidence, he will now reconsider his decision not to remove the height regulation applying to men and women recruits to the police force; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Merlyn Rees:

My hon. Friend the Minister of State has already written to my hon. Friend. I do not think that the evidence supplied by my hon. Friend provides sufficient grounds for removing or altering the height requirements for police recruits. Chief officers of police have discretion to appoint applicants who are otherwise suitable even if they are below the minimum height.