§ Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Why it is necessary for the British Transport Police to have its headquarters in central London; and what are its current requirements for additional office space in London. [HL3431]
§ Lord Davies of Oldham:The British Transport Police has confirmed that the force, with its national responsibility for policing of the railway system, has a strong operational requirement for its headquarters, including strategic command and central support activities, being centrally located with fast and easy access to the principal hubs of the rail infrastructure, and in close proximity to key stakeholders in both the rail industry and government. Uniquely London meets such operational requirements.
BTP would face substantial costs associated with any relocation away from central London, and such costs would far outweigh any revenue benefits of alternative locations and could not be supported in terms of value for money.
23WAThe force is reviewing its future accommodation requirements in the light of the possible need to vacate its current HQ offices at Tavistock Place when the lease expires at the end of 2005. The extent of any replacement accommodation will be a matter for early consideration by the new British Transport Police Authority.