HC Deb 12 January 1981 vol 996 c416W
Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the precise functions of police employed in each Government Department; how many arrests they have made in each case in each of the last three years; and on what charges.

Mr. Mayhew

No police officers with powers of arrest are employed in this Department. Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary, whose function is to inspect and report on the efficiency of police forces maintained under the Police Act 1964, cease to be police officers on appointment. Police officers seconded for central service under section 43 of the Police Act cease to be members of the police service during their secondment. Most are giving instruction in training establishments; the remainder are assisting Her Majesty's inspectors or are engaged in liaison and advisory work.

The functions of police employed in other Government Departments are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Defence—Ministry of Defence Police—and the Environment—Royal Parks Constabulary (England) and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food—Royal Botanic Gardens Constabulary at Kew.