Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 7 July 2010.

Samantha Stobbart

Question: My Lords, does the noble Baroness think that there is now a powerful case for looking at the size and number of police forces?

Answer: My Lords, the Northumbria Police are receiving mutual aid. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary has been in touch with the force. If it needs any further assistance, it will certainly be given it. As for the noble Lord’s basic question of whether it is a good idea for forces to help each other, we as a party are in favour of forces joining together, or indeed merging if they wish, provided there is local support for such a move.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 720 c202
Session: 2010-12
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Crimes of violence Prisoners' release Risk assessment Northumbria Police HMP Durham Car Servicing and Repair Task Force
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk