HC Deb 22 June 1961 vol 642 cc1652-3
4. Mr. Holland

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his tests of the new radio paging systems are complete; and if it is the intention to adopt them for the Metropolitan Police Force.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Renton)

Tests of such a system for use by the fire service are about to start. But my right hon. Friend is advised that this system would not be appropriate for police purposes, and alternative methods of meeting police requirements are under examination.

Mr. Holland

Does not my hon. and learned Friend realise that this paging system offers the greatest advance in policing effectiveness since his right hon. Friend's illustrious predecessor, Sir Robert Peel, first put the "bobby" on the beat? Does not he realise that any unnecessary delay in granting Home Office approval may well lose for our manufacturers the world lead which they have in the development of this system, with consequential detrimental effects on export potential?

Mr. Renton

We are hoping for a better system for the police, and experiments with pocket wireless receivers are being put in hand this year.