§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if there is any plan to extend the lay visitors to police stations initiative started in Lambeth and operated by members of the Lambeth community police consultative group.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. and learned Friend, as police authority for the Metropolitan police district, has appointed lay visitors to police stations in the London borough of Enfield and they are now receiving the necessary training: the scheme will begin on 1 September. He is at present considering nominations for appointment to panels in Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow and Wandsworth and is awaiting nominations from Croydon and Hounslow. There have been discussions between officials on the establishment of panels in Bexley and Tower Hamlets and a meeting will shortly take place with Newham. Westminster city council has been invited to comment on a proposal to establish a scheme in that borough.