§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the numbers, type and function of dogs used by the British Transport police, the harbour police, and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority police.
§ Mr. Giles ShawNone, since my right hon. Friend has no responsibility, under the terms of the Police Act 1964, for the British Transport police, the various harbour police forces or for the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority police.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the number of police dogs nominated for the Police Dog Action of the Year Award for each of the last three years; and what the award was for in each case.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThere were 24, 14 and 12 nominations in 1983, 1984 and 1985 respectively for the Police Dog Action of the Year Award.
In 1983, the award was won for persistence in conducting a search of a foreign ship which eventually resulted in the discovery, in a secret compartment, of 111 packets of cannabis having an estimated street value of £500,000.
In 1984 and 1985, the award was won by dogs which showed outstanding persistence and bravery in tackling violent criminals who were determined to avoid arrest. In each case, despite being attacked themselves, the dogs were able to play the major part in effecting the arrest of the suspects concerned.