Public Safety Radio Communications Project

HC Deb 26 July 1999 vol 336 cc68-9W

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he will ensure that Bedfordshire Police Authority has sufficient funds to cover the introduction of the Public Safety Radio Communications Project. [92533]

Mr. Boateng

The Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO), which is responsible for managing the Public Safety Radio Communications Project (PSRCP) is at an advanced stage of negotiations with British Telecommunications which will lead to a firm price for authorities to consider as part of their business case.

Over the next three years, the police service will receive an additional £1.24 billion in central government funding. The Government have also relaxed the rules on the use of capital receipts from the sale of assets. Police Authorities now have the freedom to use all proceeds from sales for capital investment. The scope for additional funding for the PSRCP is under consideration.