§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to increase the powers conferred upon the warden force; and how these plans have changed since 11 September; [16438]
(2) if he will make a statement on the relationship between wardens and the regular constabulary. [16440]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 20 November 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made it clear in his speech to the Superintendents' Association on 11 September that we are considering how to make better use of the extended police family (including neighbourhood and street wardens) in support of the police; and whether new powers would be needed.
We are developing proposals in the context of the police reform programme and details will be set out in the forthcoming White Paper.