§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will bring forward legislation to extend the jurisdiction of the British Transport Police to give them the same constabulary powers as Home Office police; and if he will make a statement. [117668]
§ Mr. HillThe Government announced on 31 July 1998,Official Report, column 637W, their intention to seek to establish, when a suitable legislative opportunity arises, an independent national police authority for the British Transport Police (BTP). Following consultation with the police service, my Department is considering with the Home Office an extension to the BTP's jurisdiction in specific circumstances. If accepted this extension would be included within the legislation.