§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if there are any plans to hold further exercises of communications similar to the COMTEST 89 exercise held on 12 January; if he has had any representations about the lack of translation capability for non-European languages highlighted by the COMTEST exercise; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenCOMTEST 89 was arranged by the Association of Chief Police Officers and funded by the Home Office. I understand a report on the exercise is now being drawn up and while we shall consider it carefully, it will be for ACPO to consider the operational implications and to take any decisions on the need for further exercises. No representations have been received about language problems.