Written question asked by Peter L Pike (Labour) on Friday, 14 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 February 2005. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Thursday, 3 February 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions his Department has had with the Humberside Police Authority regarding the early retirement of the police officer involved in the Christopher Alder case; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to Home Office Circular 3 of 2004 in the Library.

Answer: Mr. Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with the Humberside Police Authority regarding the early retirement of the police officer involved in the Christopher Alder case; and if he will make a statement. [209661] Ms Blears: The Home Department has not held discussions with Humberside Police Authority in relation to the retirement arrangements of any officers involved in the Christopher Alder case. Humberside Police Authority did write to the Home Office on 12 November 2004 about applications for medical retirement they had received in respect of four officers linked to this case. An official from the Home Secretary's Private Office responded on 26 November 2004 stating that the Home Secretary was clear that any decision was entirely a matter for Humberside Police Authority. The relevant procedures for such decisions are set out in Home Office Circular 3 of 2004 agreed last January by the Police Negotiating Board in the form of Joint Guidance. This guidance came into effect last July and copies are in the House Library.

Secondary information