HC Deb 02 May 1989 vol 152 c28W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many claims for damages arising out of alleged breaches of duty under the law of tort have been intimated to each chief constable in respect of the actions of police constables engaged in central duties since 1 January 1964.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Under section 43 of the Police Act 1964 a police officer who has been seconded to central services ceases to be a member of a police force for the duration of his secondment. Accordingly, while on central service he is not under the direction and control of his chief officer of police and the question of the chief officer's liability for torts does not arise.

Mr. Wallace

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has regarding the number of incidents involving central service police officers who have acted as though they possessed the powers and privileges of police officers in each year since the coming into force of the Police Act 1964.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The information is not available.