§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is prepared to set up an independent body to review complaints against the police now that the Police Federation has withdrawn its opposition.
§ Mr. WhitelawAs I have informed the House, we are considering, in consultation with the Police Advisory Board, what changes in the present system may be necessary. A working group under the chairmanship of my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State is expected to report back to the board shortly. I shall take into account the various proposals that have been put forward, including those by the Police Federation and any that may be made in the Scarman report.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, following the recent suggestion of Sir Cyril Philips, he has considered establishing an ombudsman to investigate complaints against the police.
§ Mr. WhitelawI understand that Sir Cyril Philips had in mind a non-police supervisor to provide an independent element in the investigation of complaints against the police, as envisaged in the report of the Plowden working party—Cmnd. 8193. As indicated in reply to another question by the hon. Member, this is under consideration.