§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the Metropolitan Police special patrol group has carried out activities in the London borough of Newham to deal with such crimes as vandalism, muggings and interferences with bus and train drivers and conductors; and to what extent these efforts have proved successful.
§ Mr. WhitelawI understand from the Commissioner that the special patrol group was employed in the London borough of Newham from 16 February to 15 March this year to provide assistance to local officers in combating special crime problems. The effect of the group's presence is difficult to evaluate, but officers from the group made a number of arrests.