§ 3. Mr. Stephen O'Brien (Eddisbury)If he will make a statement on the effectiveness of cross-border co-operation between Welsh and English police forces. [67874]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Don Touhig)There is good co-operation between the Welsh and English police forces aimed at combating organised crime. The national services, including the National Crime Squad and the National Criminal Intelligence Service, also provide valuable links across all police forces.
§ Mr. O'BrienGiven the 13 per cent. rise in overall recorded crime in north Wales, especially the 19 per cent. 273 rise in robbery, it will come as no surprise to the Minister that I have been told by the Cheshire constabulary that many of the criminals committing robberies in my constituency come over the border from north Wales. May I urge him to ensure that maximum co-operation is permitted and encouraged between police forces, and that no political and administrative boundaries or differences in accountability can possibly get in the way of that full co-operation?
§ Mr. TouhigI certainly take on board the hon. Gentleman's point. Cross-border co-operation is important if we are to reduce crime. He mentions the crime figures for north Wales. I can tell him that overall crime has fallen by 22 per cent. since the Government came into office, which compares with the doubling in crime that occurred during the 18 years when his party was in government.
§ Mr. Jon Owen Jones (Cardiff, Central)Can my hon. Friend assure us that there is full co-operation between the police forces of south Wales and of Bristol to stem the dreadful epidemic of cocaine, especially crack cocaine? It already has too strong a hold on Bristol and its dealers are now looking to expand their market into south Wales.
§ Mr. TouhigOn 5 July, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met representatives of the three south Wales police forces in response to increased criminal activity, particularly in relation to drugs coming into Wales. The police forces have created a joint specialised drugs unit and are diverting resources into combating drug misuse. They are also working closely with their colleagues on the other side of the River Severn. To a certain extent, the supply of drugs in Wales is based on geographical factors. Supplies to the south come largely from drug dealers in Bristol and the west midlands, while those to the north come from Manchester and Liverpool. Cross-border co-operation is vital if we are to rid ourselves of that misery.
§ Mr. Paul Keetch (Hereford)Many people who live in the Welsh marches live in very isolated communities, such as south Herefordshire, and when they dial 999 they want an immediate response, regardless of the badge on the emergency vehicle that comes. Given that fire brigades regularly cross borders to attend fires, should not police cars also do so, so that the closest patrol car responds to an incident?
§ Mr. TouhigI understand the point that the hon. Gentleman makes. It is a difficult issue in some of the marches areas. I undertake to pass his point on to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.