§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response there has been to the draft codes of practice which he published in June on the treatment, questioning and identification of persons suspected of crime.
§ Mr. WhitelawI am very grateful to all those private individuals and bodies who were good enough to consider and comment on the draft codes. Most of those consulted on the draft codes have replied, and the comments provided have helped us to improve them. Copies of the drafts as revised in the light of the comments received have been placed in the Library, and are available from the Vote Office. They are also being sent to those who commented on the earlier drafts. In addition, copies will be available on request from Room 528, Home Office, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AT.
The drafts are designed to illustrate the codes of practice relating to the conduct of the police which I would be empowered to make, with the approval of Parliament, under the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill which is published today. For ease of reference the drafts reproduce some of the legislative proposals in that measure. I shall of course keep the drafts under review in the light of the views expressed during the Bill's progress.