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• Question by: Len Duvall OBE
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

We spend so much time hearing about the wonders of New York policing. Sir John, I have to say that you are on record as being supportive of New York policing, but their model is this model. It seems to me it is the model that many prospective Mayoral candidates may aspire to. In fact, Mr Norris is on record as saying that he would like part-time control of the MPA, he would like to appoint a director of crime, he would like to review the performance of borough commanders, and he would like to seek the right to appoint...

• Question by: Meg Hillier
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

Yes, but on the Underground and not on the overground. I would like to go back to my previous question on New Year's Eve because I felt that there were some points that were not answered. I asked the Commissioner what advice he had given the Mayor on New Year's Eve. He said he was still negotiating. Last year we were told that it was a public order issue and very much a matter for the Met to take a decision on. I wonder what advice you are giving the Mayor and whether you are calling the shots or he...

• Question by: Meg Hillier
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

I find it quite extraordinary that we are two weeks away and we still get no more information about what advice you are giving the Mayor. The Mayor is coming back to us and saying that he is getting advice on safety from the Met, and it would be very useful for us to know and have that aired publicly so that we can be clear what that advice is.

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

I think Sir John's last point reassures me as regards the issue. I accept it in the spirit in which it is given. I hope that those responsible for distorting his words will reflect upon the damage that they have done to the Met's reputation. That is not a criticism of Sir John.

• Question by: Samantha Heath
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

The other issue is whistle-blowing, when a junior officer perceives racism. How are procedures being put in place to ensure that whistle-blowing can happen?

• Question by: Samantha Heath
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

I am pleased to hear that you are so rigorous. The issue highlighted by the figures is that the numbers of those leaving the police is actually higher in the black and minority ethnic sector. Nearly 9% of such people are leaving, as opposed to nearly 6% who are actually part of the police force. What do you think accounts for that? How do you hope you will be able to change that? Do you think it will be changed by next April?

• Question by: Richard Barnes
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

The Government recently proposed that the children of failed asylum seekers should be taken into care. What impact upon race and community relations do you think it would have to see Met officers assisting social workers in the Child Protection Agency as they forcibly remove these children from their parents? No doubt the parents would not surrender them willingly?

• Question by: Richard Barnes
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

If an officer found the proposal morally repugnant, as indeed I do, and he refused the order to assist in the snatching of children from their parents, would he be subject to a disciplinary process?

• Question by: Eric Ollerenshaw
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

Under Standing Order 2:22 can I ask the Chair to ask whether Sir John could quickly comment on a Labour Party press briefing note on this meeting which is headed `Top Cop Savages Tory and Liberal Democrat Police Plans'. `Sir John Stevens, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, this morning condemned Conservative and Liberal Democrat policing proposals for the capital." In doing that, could you also ask Sir John " and I am sure he is aware of some concerns certainly from the Tory group about comments " whether he would also accept an invitation to meet the Tory group at...