HC Deb 18 June 2003 vol 407 cc271-2W
John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total costs of the Blackpool Tower project were in the first three months of this year. [119271]

Ms Blears

On the basis of information provided by the Lancashire Constabulary, total costs of the Blackpool area Basic Command Unit Tower project for the first three months of this year include multi-agency funding of £99,333.25, of which the Home Office Police Standards Unit contributed £19,241.00.

John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Tower project in Blackpool and Burnley. [119272]

Ms Blears

The Blackpool Tower scheme is a multi-agency project targeting persistent offenders. Its aims are to reduce crime combining police disruption and targeting tactics with the provision of drug treatment. Huddersfield University conducted an evaluation of the project, the final report of which is due shortly. Ministers will consider this evaluation and how its content should be shared.