You are here: Parliament home page > Parliamentary business > Publications and Records > Hansard > Commons Debates > Commons Debates by date > Commons Debates - previous sessions > Bound Volume Hansard - Written Answers
Previous Section Index Home Page

Europol

Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reply he has sent to the request of the Presidency of the European Union (7369/00) for approval of a draft recommendation for rules relating to requests from Europol to member states to initiate investigations on its behalf, with particular reference to the proposal that member states should inform Europol of their reasons for not agreeing to such requests. [130055]

Mr. Charles Clarke: The draft Council Recommendation relating to the possibility of Europol asking member states to initiate investigations (7369/00

11 Jul 2000 : Column: 517W

now 7369/1/00) is under discussion in the Europol Working Group. The Government's position is set out in an explanatory memorandum deposited with the scrutiny committees on 2 June, copies of which have been placed in the Library. We are negotiating the draft Recommendation on the basis that it is broadly acceptable. The Recommendation does not impose any obligations on the member states. Competent authorities in the United Kingdom would in general already adhere to the principles in the Recommendation in dealing with requests from Europol through the Europol National Unit. We consider that, while it will not always be appropriate for member states to inform Europol of the reasons for not agreeing to their request to conduct an investigation, it is good practice to do so wherever possible.

Edwards Report

Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implementation of the recommendations of the Edwards Report. [128509]

Mr. Straw: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Garston (Maria Eagle) on 16 March 2000, Official Report, column 262W.

The Islands have continued to implement the Edwards Report. Developments since 16 March include:




Police Training

Mr. Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the respondents to Police Training: A Consultation Document, published in November 1999. [129589]

Mr. Charles Clarke: A full list of respondents to Police Training: A Consultation Document, published in November 1999, is as follows:
















11 Jul 2000 : Column: 518W























































11 Jul 2000 : Column: 519W
















Glen Howard

Mr. Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he intends to take following the inquest into the death of Glen Howard; and if he will make a statement. [129588]

Mr. Charles Clarke: The Crown Prosecution Service have now received a transcript of the inquest into the death of Glenn Howard. They will be reconsidering the case in light of all the evidence that was presented there and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific details at this stage. However, the use of restraint tactics when dealing with mentally disordered persons is a matter which I understand the police are reviewing as part of the continual process of evaluating and improving training.

CS Spray

Mr. Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the Association of Chief Police Officers' decision to make its guidance on the use of CS spray available to interested parties; and if he will make a statement. [129584]

Mr. Charles Clarke: I welcome it.

Mr. Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that the planned research into the interaction of CS spray and anti- psychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia will involve wide consultation with relevant service users, carers and voluntary organisations. [129586]

Mr. Charles Clarke: I am not aware of any research planned specifically on the interaction of CS spray and anti-psychotic medication, although the research we shall be carrying out at the recommendation of the Committee on Toxicity on the longer-term effects of CS spray may provide information on this subject.

Mr. Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the Association of Chief Police Officers' decision on local protocols with health and social services departments about the use of CS spray on people known to have a severe mental illness; and if he will make a statement. [129585]

11 Jul 2000 : Column: 520W

Mr. Charles Clarke: I agree with the Association of Chief Police Officer's (ACPO) recommendation that chief officers should consider drawing up local protocols with health authorities and social services departments on this matter.

Metropolitan Police

Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers from the Metropolitan police left the service in the last 12 months; and what were the reasons given for leaving. [129507]

Mr. Charles Clarke: Figures provided by the Metropolitan police show that in the 12 months from April 1999 to March 2000, 1,504 people ceased to serve as Metropolitan police officers. This equates to a turnover rate of 5.66 per cent.

Out of the total 554 officers retired on ordinary police pensions, 361 resigned, 285 were medically retired and 243 transferred to other forces. A further 61 officers left for other reasons, including dismissal and death in service.

I understand that concerns about quality of life and the costs associated with living in London have been reasons historically given by those resigning and transferring to other forces for their decisions. A new exit poll introduced by the Metropolitan police in April 2000 will give more detailed information for future years.

Next Section Index Home Page