HC Deb 28 March 1996 vol 274 cc679-80W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on farm watch crime prevention schemes. [23145]

Mr. Maclean

The Government recognise that the most effective response to rural crime is a partnership between the police and the local community. We encourage crime prevention schemes which enable members of the public—with the support of the local police—to do something positive in the fight against crime.

We believe that over 500 farm watch schemes across England and Wales can make a significant impact on crime in the countryside.

Mr. Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated number of people involved in farm watch crime prevention schemes.[23146]

Mr. Maclean

There are over 500 farm watch schemes across England and Wales. These vary in size; information on the number of people involved is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.