§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether she expects that the merger between the Metropolitan Police Service and the Royal Parks Constabulary will be completed in April 2004; and if she will make a statement. [144900]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 6 January 2004]Merger of the two police forces will require primary legislation which will be introduced at the earliest opportunity but will not be in place by 1 April 2004. The Department is442W working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that effective policing of the Royal Parks is maintained until Parliament has approved the merger proposals.