HC Deb 10 January 2001 vol 360 cc572-3W
Mr. Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will announce the National Criminal Intelligence Service and National Crime Squad levies for 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [144929]

Mr. Straw

I am writing today to the Chairman of the Service Authority for the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) and National Crime Squad (NCS) to inform him of my decision on the proposals for increases in the levy for the two organisations.

In reaching my decision, I have taken into account the proposals put to me by the Service Authority, as well as representations made to me by the Association of Police Authorities, Association of Chief Police Officers and others as part of the process of consultation over the levy proposals. I have considered all this against the background of the overall settlement for the police service, from which the levy for the two organisations is funded. I have also taken account of the funding which NCIS and NCS receive from other sources.

I have decided to award an increase of £5.33 million or 4.9 per cent. to the NCS in line with the average police settlement for England and Wales. This increases the levy for 2001–02 to £114.05 million.

In the case of NCIS, I have taken particular account of the increasing importance which good quality intelligence plays in fighting the criminal organisations behind much of the serious criminal activity in the United Kingdom; and the vital role which NCIS plays in working with police forces, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and other organisations both nationally and internationally to tackle the problem. I have therefore decided to increase the NCIS levy by £9.2 million to £49.5 million in 2001–02, which amounts to an increase in the levy of 23 per cent.

I am satisfied that these increases in the levy and other resources will enable both NCIS and NCS to continue and enhance their work in tackling serious criminal activity such as drug trafficking, people trafficking and money laundering and bringing to justice the criminals and criminal organisations involved in it.