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Policing and Crime Bill

My Lords, I could have anticipated what the Minister said in response to my arguments. I have asked for the Secretary of State’s powers to be constrained for a very long time and in many ways, and it still seems to fall on deaf ears. However, the Minister has slightly reassured me about the central direction to chief police officers by saying that he will consult, and consult broadly, all members of the tripartite arrangement before any directions are given. I will hold him to that and will watch very carefully, as I know the Association of Police Authorities will do, to ensure that those arrangements are working properly and effectively and that central direction to chief police officers plays no part in future policing in this country. With his assurances, although I am not entirely happy with them, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 12 withdrawn. Amendments 13 to 15 not moved. Clause 11 : Police equipment Amendment 16 Clause 11 : Police equipment Amendment 16 Moved by