HC Deb 22 April 1980 vol 983 c102W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in his capacity as Police Authority for the Metropolis, what is his policy towards the decision by the London borough of Lewisham to withhold part of its financial contribution to the Metropolitan Police; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

The council has expressed an intention to withhold precept in 1981–82. We deplore this unwarranted gesture. The law requires the council to meet the precept towards the costs of the Metropolitan Police, and we trust that when the time comes it will fulfil this obligation.