§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the operation of the system for complaints against the police; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawPart IX of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which introduced new arrangements for the handling of complaints against the police, has been in force only since 29 April 1985. Many of the cases completed by the authority started under the previous arrangements. I am, however, encouraged by the way in which the new authority has established its independence, and by the prominent role it is playing in the supervision and assessment of investigations.
My right hon. Friend has recently agreed to strengthen the Police Complaints Authority by appointing a further member, and hopes to make a further statement on this shortly.