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Police and Justice Bill

It is for that reason that the memorandum and guidance notes for the Bill set out in great detail precisely which powers will be held by PCSOs and which will not on the standardised basis. It is fair to say that many in the police, including some police officers, as well as some hon. Members, were sceptical about the merits of introducing PCSOs in 2002. However, it is also fair to say that that scepticism is now a great deal less. That is not to say that no issues remain to be resolved and I am sure that my hon. Friend will continue to raise them with her customary wit and humour, and I shall attempt to respond. However, I believe that PCSOs have made a major contribution and will continue to do so. We want to take that forward.