§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will give the reasons for the amendment issued on 4 November to chapter 6, paragraph 9(1) of the Metropolitan police instruction book, regarding collaboration between police officers in the making of their notes; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what consultations were carried out with regard to the amendment issued on 4 November to chapter 6, paragraph 9(1) of the Metropolitan police instruction book in particular, and whether those consulted included the Bar Council, the Law Society, the Criminal Bar Association and the Crown Prosecution Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI am advised by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the instruction book was amended in order to remove the distinction in making notes between simple and complex cases and to provide for a standard practice. The way in which the police gather and record evidence in individual cases is an operational482W matter for them to decide, subject to the views of the court of trial. I understand that outside bodies were, not consulted.