Police (Robot Telephone)

HC Deb 22 December 1972 vol 848 cc497-8W

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many telephone calls there have been to the robot police telephone in each month since it was started; how many of these calls have provided positive information which was of specific value to the security authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. van Straubenzee

In view of the confidential nature of this telephone service, a specific reply on all points would

two young children with earnings in 1970 of £15, £20, £50, £100 and £200 per week, and at the national average, respectively, taking into account charges for school meals, milk and health services.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

The information is as follows:

not be in the public interest. Between August and early December 1972, 554 calls were acted upon by the security forces. Information thus received has led to arrests and to seizure of arms and explosives.