§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 7 November 2000 (H.L. Deb., col 136064), how many loads were escorted by the Metropolitan Police during the week commencing 17 December 2000 and, of these, how many movements involved the use of mobile phones whilst a load was in motion. [HL795]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe Metropolitan Police escorted 30 loads during this period, none of which involved the use of mobile phones as the mode of communication between the police and the abnormal load. This is because in contrast with other forces, abnormal loads escorted by the Metropolitan Police are usually accompanied by police motorcycles.
§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer by the Lord Bassam of Brighton on 7 November 2000 (H.L. Deb., col. 1360–64), what evidence supports his assertion that mobile phones are routinely used as a mode of communication between the police escort and the escorted load whilst in motion. [HL796]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has confirmed that mobile phones are the normal mode of communication between the police and the abnormal load's second man.