HC Deb 02 February 1978 vol 943 cc270-1W
25. Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has taken to ensure that the officers of the Metropolitan Police are aware of and understand the Judges' Rules and the accompanying Directions, and to monitor the observation of these Rules and Directions in the future by the Metropolitan Police.

26. Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures have been taken to ensure that officers of the Metropolitan Police are aware of, and understand, the Judges' Rules and Directions, and to monitor the observance of these Rules and Directions in future by the Metropolitan Police.

29. Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has taken to ensure that the officers of the Metropolitan Police are aware of and understand the Judges' Rules and Directions, and to monitor the observance of these Rules and Directions in the future by the Metropolitan Police.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I am considering the possible reissue, in one publication, of the Judges' Rules, the administrative Directions to the Police and the relevant Home Office circulars. Over the past year the Commissioner has issued new force orders on the Rules and Directions, and I understand that he will shortly be reminding officers in the Metropolitan Police of their importance. The enforcement of force orders is a matter for the Commissioner, and it is for the courts to decide whether answers and statements to the police have been made voluntarily and hence whether the evidence is admissible.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how soon he expects to receive the results of his survey into police observance of the Judges' Rules, particularly in relation to informing relatives of people held for questioning that they are being held.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I take it that my hon. Friend has in mind Section 62 of the Criminal Law Act 1977. Formal consultations on a draft Home Office circular to the police are now taking place, and I hope to bring the section into effect in the early part of this year.