§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implications for the management of police operations relating to dangerous drugs in London of the conviction of Inspector Norman McGowan and Police Constable Michael Buchanan for theft of drugs.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe management of police operations is a matter for chief officers. Since the conviction of Mr. McGowan and Mr. Buchanan, the324W coming into force of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 has introduced new procedures for the treatment of suspects. Since then also, and following a major review of the organisation and management of the Metropolitan police, area drug squads have been established which are under the supervision of an officer whose responsibilities extend beyond drugs matters. I understand that both these changes have helped to improve the supervision and management of officers engaged in the investigation of drug-related crime.