§ Derek TwiggTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what level of funding he will make available to the(a) National Crime Squad and (b) National Criminal Intelligence Service in 2002–03. [20985]
§ Mr. BlunkettI am writing today to the chairman of the Service Authority for the National Criminal Intelligence Service and the National Crime Squad to inform him how I propose to increase the funding for the two organisations.
Under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, the principal method of funding the two organisations is now one of grant in aid from the Home Office.
In reaching my decision, I have taken into account the proposals put to me by the Service Authority and also the representations made to me by the Association of Police Authorities, Association of Chief Police Officers and others. I have considered all this against the background of the overall settlement for the police service.
I have decided to make a grant of £134.05 million to the National Crime Squad in 2002–03. This is an increase of £20 million or 17.5 per cent.
I have decided to make a grant of £68.5 million to the National Criminal Intelligence Service in 2002–03. This is an increase of £19 million or 38.4 per cent.
The conditions under which payment of these grants will be made are set out in my letters to the chairman of the Service Authority and in the grant reports which have been published and laid before the House today. Copies have also been placed in the Library.
For both organisations, this level of increase provides the means for a significant boost in fighting the top priorities of drug and people trafficking. More generally, the increases will enable the National Crime Squad and the National Criminal Intelligence Service to continue and enhance their crucial work in tackling serious and organised criminal activity.
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