§ Mr. CongdonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the special constabulary in England and Wales, and if he will make a statement. [17676]
§ Mr. MacleanWe are establishing a Home Office joint working group to review the special constabulary in England and Wales and to consider what changes are needed.
The group will include representatives of the regular police staff associations, local authorities, Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary, and special constables. It will be chaired by me or by a Home Office official.
I expect the group to produce recommendations about terms and conditions of service by mid-summer and on other matters within the year.
671WI am placing in the Library today a copy of an open letter I am sending to all serving special constables asking them to contribute to the group's work.