§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet reviewed the progress made in the establishment and operation of police-community consultative committees; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdA review was conducted in January by Home Office officials. In most police areas encouraging progress had been made in establishing arrangements for consultation between the police and local communities and development continues. Some areas already had effective arrangements operating before the issue of Home Office guidance in June 1982. Many are developing consultative groups based on district council, or police force divisional or sub-divisional areas. Others have set up pilot schemes in different forms. Progress has inevitably varied because local needs differ, but we are satisfied that most authorities are responding within the spirit of the Home Office guidance.