HC Deb 23 March 1999 vol 328 cc172-3W
Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate by how much the Lancet Inquiry will increase the precept for policing payable by residents of Cleveland in the next year; on what calculation this is based; and if he will make a statement. [77270]

Mr. Boateng

I understand from the Chief Constable that the Cleveland Police Authority has set a budget for 1999–2000 of £83.3 million which is an increase of 3.6 per cent. over 1998–99. This will mean an increase in the police precept on the council tax of 29.2 per cent. or £14 per year in 1999–2000 for Band D properties.

I understand that the increase in the precept for 1999–2000 is not as a result of Operation Lancer but is required to maintain an acceptable number of police officers and to meet other unavoidable expenditure for police pay increases and pensions.

It is a matter for the Chief Constable to determine how to use the resources available. The Cleveland Constabulary achieved significant savings in 1998–99 of £2.7 million. This has made it possible for the force to absorb the costs of Operation Lancet within existing resources.

Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the cost of the Lancet Inquiry into alleged corruption in the Cleveland police force; and if he will make a statement. [77269]

Mr. Boateng

I understand from Cleveland Constabulary that the estimated cost of Operation Lancet up to 31 March 1999 is £1.24 million.

The major part of the inquiry is being undertaken by officers from the Cleveland force, for whom provision has already been made in the budget. The costs arising from the involvement of the Northamptonshire Officers and Mr. Timpson, the Chief Constable of Warwickshire Constabulary who is in charge of the investigation, have also been found from within the Cleveland budget.

Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects that Inspector Ray Mallon of the Cleveland Police will cease being suspended; and if he will make a statement. [77266]

Mr. Boateng

Matters involving the suspension of police officers are governed by The Police (Discipline) Regulations 1985. An officer may be suspended from the force by his chief officer where it appears that he may have committed a disciplinary offence. Unless the chief officer decides otherwise, the suspension will continue until either it is decided not to bring disciplinary charges or the case has been resolved.

This is entirely a matter for the Chief Officer concerned—in this instance the Chief Constable of Cleveland Constabulary. It would be wrong of me to comment on this matter whilst the investigation is underway.

Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress of the Lancet Inquiry into alleged police corruption in Cleveland; when he expects completion of its work; and if he will make a statement. [77268]

Mr. Boateng

This is a wide-ranging inquiry and is one of the largest supervised by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA). There has been close consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) throughout. A major file on drugs-related issues was delivered to the CPS on 4 December 1998 and is now with Treasury Counsel. I understand that a number of possible criminal and disciplinary matters are still being addressed and eight officers remained suspended from duty.

The length of the investigation is a matter for the investigation officer and the PCA.