Policing in the Metropolis

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:41 pm on 28 February 1983.

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Photo of Mr John Wheeler Mr John Wheeler , Cities of London and Westminster Paddington 4:41, 28 February 1983

I shall come to that point.

The case for such a step rests on the fact that ultimate responsibility for the police must lie with this House. Indeed, I think that that answers the hon. Gentleman's point. The House recognised that when, in 1980, it set up the Home Affairs Committee—of which the hon. Member for Battersea, South (Mr. Dubs) and I are members—which has special responsibility for looking at policing matters and has done so with considerable success. Our police are trained to understand that the source of their power lies in the public's co-operation, and to secure and maintain it always by behaving towards the public in a manner that is calculated to gain their good will and respect.