§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria he uses to assess the efficiency of the police forces in England in general and of the Metropolitan police in particular.
§ Mr. HurdMy right hon. and learned Friend is advised by Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary about the efficiency of police forces in England and Wales, except the Metropolitan police. The guidance which was issued last month to police authorities and chief officers of police about the effective and efficient use of resources indicates the approach to be used by Her Majesty's Inspectorate in the future.
Under the Metropolitan Police Act 1829, the Commissioner is responsible, in the first instance, for the efficiency of the Metropolitan police; but the principles in the guidance apply to the Metropolitan police as to other forces.