New Clause 2

Part of Orders of the Day — Police and Criminal Evidence Bill – in the House of Commons at 6:45 pm on 3 May 1983.

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Photo of Mr Kenneth Warren Mr Kenneth Warren , Hastings 6:45, 3 May 1983

I shall be brief, because we are either being gassed or slowly sunk by fumes that are entering the Chamber. Indeed, my speech may be terminated even faster than I had intended.

I welcome the definitions in new clause 2, which reflect the sensible and realistic way in which the Committee's 41 sittings were conducted and the responsible and responsive way in which my hon. and learned Friend the Minister consistently listened to and acted on any representations made to him. The clause takes into account those representations and reflects the way in which the Bill can be operated practically and sensibly.

The five requirements under new clause 2 that have to be fulfilled in order to satisfy a justice of the peace provide a fair and reasonable safety valve, in contrast with the suggestion about going to a circuit judge. All of us have constituency experience of justices of the peace and of the way in which they carry out their functions. I should have thought that it was the general opinion of the House that they are sensible people, who know their areas and who would know, in considering an application, whether the constable's requirement was reasonable.

The hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Mr. Mikardo) is one of the most honourable and certainly the most colourful characters in the House. Tonight, he pursued a course that was somewhat akin to that which, to my enjoyment, he pursued in Committee. He tended to try to convince me that all cops were robbers and that all robbers were innocent. He took me a long way along that path, but I managed to survive. However, I recognise that by mentioning places such as Railton road, he was proving that there are exceptions to the rule that the police force —as I generally accept—is made up of honourable men and women. No doubt my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, who has responsibility for the Metropolitan police, will take action, and I am sure that the case will not be left in the way that the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow believes.

At times, the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow casts doubt on the reasonableness and soundness of all those in authority, and that it is unfair. I hope that he will reflect on that. There is major concern about the crime wave. The level of crime has given rise to considerable fear in our society. However, our authority to combat that crime wave will be considerably enhanced both by the clause and by the whole Bill.