§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that all residents within the Metropolitan Police District are treated equally for the purposes of consultation on proposals to create a new police authority. [18644]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Green Paper 'New Leadership for London—the Government's proposals for a Greater London Authority' was published in July 1997 and included details of the proposals for a new police authority to cover the Metropolitan Police District (MPD). During the period of consultation, which ended on 24 October, the Green Paper was freely available to any interested individuals or organisations, including residents of the MPD. The Government Office for London received over 1,200 written responses, including ones from Hertfordshire County Council, the Boroughs of Broxbourne and Reigate and Banstead. I recently met members of the Outer London Metropolitan Police Group, which represents the interests of those districts which are not London boroughs, to hear their views and discuss the proposals. All comments and written responses will be taken into account.