HC Deb 03 November 1994 vol 248 cc1334-5W
Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will provide finance to local authorities to facilitate the implementation of the CCTV system in town centre locations.

Mr. Howard

Last month I announced a new challenge competition to set up more CCTV systems in England and Wales with £l2 million Government funding in 1994–95. Local authorities will be able to bid for funds in partnership with the police and other organisations, including the private sector.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list areas in which crime has fallen as a result of the installation of closed circuit television systems.

Mr. Maclean

Towns and cities all over the country report decreases in crime due to the presence of the cameras and the availability of video evidence to help convict criminals. Examples include Kings Lynn, Newcastle and Bradford, to name but a few.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on Government plans to incorporate the draft directive on article 8 of the European convention on human rights in reporting the use of closed circuit television systems into United Kingdom law.

Mr. Maclean

We have no plans to proceed in this way.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the guidelines that are available for the use of closed circuit television cameras in public areas.

Mr. Maclean

We shall shortly be issuing a good practice guide on the use of closed circuit television in public places. Copies will be sent to all police forces, local authorities and large businesses.