§ Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Home Secretary what progress has been made with the establishment of regional police wireless schemes, and whether it is proposed to introduce such a scheme for the entire country in the near future?
§ Sir J. SIMONIn the Metropolitan Police District a complete service of rapid wireless communication with police officers patrolling in motor vehicles has been developed, and is proving of great value for the detection of crime and the apprehension of criminals. A similar system is in operation in a few forces in other areas. There is no doubt that a comprehensive scheme of regional wireless would constitute a very important development in the police communication system of the country, and the experimental work which has been carried out has demonstrated that a regional police wireless scheme should be a technical possibility. I cannot say when such a scheme may be in operation, or precisely what form it may take, but I hope that, with the co-operation of the police authorities and chief officers of police, it may be possible to make a considerable advance at no distant date.