§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary to provide annual written reports for each police authority; and, if not, why he will not.
§ Mr. BrittanThe Police Act 1964 places distinct responsibilities on police authorities, on chief officers of police and on the Secretary of State. Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary have a statutory duty to report to the Secretary of State on matters related to police efficiency, and the provision of reports for police authorities would blur the lines of responsibility laid down in the Police Act. When conducting inspections, Her Majesty's inspectors invariably seek an opportunity of discussing with the chairman and members of a police authority matters which are within the authority's responsibility.