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Business of the House

First, there is a consultation. There is a wide range of views on the appropriate structure of police forces. Most Members of Parliament to whom I have spoken about the issue—indeed, most police officers and even police authorities that I have contacted—recognise that the existing structure of 43 authorities is not necessarily how anyone would have devised the structure if they were starting from scratch, so it is right that we should have a consultation. I am hugely delighted to see my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in his place, ready to participate, given the considerable number of requests that have been made for his attendance. Hon. Members can see that the Government deliver.