§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the 449W Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis about extra funding to cover the present security situation; and if he will make a statement. [9725]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 24 October 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has met the Commissioner and the Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) on several occasions, during which policing the light of the security situation since 11 September has been discussed.
Operational policing is a matter for the Commissioner and it is for the Authority and the Commissioner to decide how best to manage individual issues within the Authority's budget. However, my right hon. Friend does appreciate the impact of the additional resources that the Commissioner and the MPA are providing to counter the increased risks to security, and is considering with them the financial implications.