Clause 44 - Power for police to make schemes
Criminal Justice and Police Bill
4:45 pm
Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate, Conservative)
I note what my hon. Friend says in respect of the hon. Member for Taunton.
My point is that most local authorities, under whichever political control, are now rather more likely to talk to the police. Some Labour councils have been deeply antipathetic to people in uniform, notably the armed services, and have not allowed the armed services to attend recruiting fairs in schools, for example. However, by and large, there is now much greater co-operation between local authorities and the police, which is why I oppose the police being given the powers, because in most circumstances if the police consider that there is a problem they will be able to talk to their local authorities and invite them to initiate the powers. The extension introduced by the clause is unnecessary; that is why I oppose it.