HC Deb 17 December 1964 vol 704 cc123-4W
97. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many firms have supplied equipment for the current trials of transistorized radios for the police force; when these trials will be completed; and if he will give an assurance that these firms and any others wishing to tender will all be given an opportunity to do so before the initial order is placed.

98. Mr. Rees-Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration has been given to the provision of pocket two-way radios to the police; on what scale and over what period this will be done; when the initial orders will be placed; and what is his estimate of the approximate total cost of the whole programme.

Sir F. Soskice

Trials are about to begin with over 200 pocket wireless sets supplied by five firms, and will occupy about six months. If, as a result, specifications are drawn up for a set designed to meet the special needs of the police, the usual method of tendering will be followed. To meet immediate needs I am considering whether an interim order should be placed for a number of available sets which would be serviceable although not ideal for police purposes.