§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the failure of the Metropolitan Police to answer correspondence either to hon. Members or their constituents, he will seek powers to ensure that they are more publicly accountable; and if he will make it his practice to ensure that all correspondence to the Commissioner and the Metropolitan Police is answered promptly.
§ Mr. WhitelawI am answerable to Parliament, under the existing arrangements, as police authority, for the overall efficiency of the Metropolitan Police. I know that the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is concerned that correspondence should be dealt with promptly and I am asking him to review the current procedure.