§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department 128W what study he has made of the proposal by the Greater Manchester police authority to remove height restrictions on police recruits; and if he will convene a meeting of chief constables to discuss the need to take similar action generally.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:Minimum height requirements are set out in police regulations on the advice of the Police Advisory Board. The present minimum heights—172 cm for men and 162 cm for women— were recommended by the board in 1975. The question of an amendment to the regulations is a matter for the board in the first instance, and I have had no indication that the board would support any general change. The application of the height requirements in individual cases is at the discretion of each chief officer of police. I am aware of the views expressed by the chief constable of the Greater Manchester police on the height requirements for that force.