HC Deb 25 November 2002 vol 395 cc104-5W
Mr. Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to provide new guidelines to police forces on medical standards for police officer recruitment. [80924]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 18 November 2002]The medical and eyesight standards for entry into the police service have been reviewed as a part of the national recruitment standards project.

We expect to receive the draft recommendations for the medical standards early next year. Following the consultation period the medical standards will be put in place.

The draft recommendations for the eyesight standards have been circulated to forces for comments. Following consultation the new eyesight standards will be put in place early next year.

Keith Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to meet the Acting Chief Constable of Leicester concerning ethnic minority recruitment. [81503]

Mr. Denham

I have no current plans to do so. Support and assistance is being offered to forces on ethnic minority recruitment through annual reviews by the Home Office and Her Majesty's Inspectorate Constabulary against agreed interim targets. Good or promising practice in the areas of recruitment, retention and progression will be promulgated when identified.