asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the interest of improving police efficiency and their place in the community, he will consider a change in the constitution of police authorities to permit a limited number of co-opted members thereof.

A police authority is composed of county councilors—two-thirds—and magistrates—one-third; the composition is fixed by statute and it cannot lawfully co-opt additional members. It can, however, invite observers to attend its meetings, or advisers to give their views on specific items of business. On present information I can see no reason to alter this.