§ Mr. Gregoryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the committee set up to examine central purchases for police forces has yet consulted industry, the appropriate trade organisations and other interested bodies; when 199W he expects to issue a report on their recommendations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe recent report of the Working Party of the Police Advisory Board on Police Equipment came down against the introduction of central purchasing arrangements, but recommended that the possibility of bulk buying and joint purchasing arrangements should be further investigated. I propose to discuss this with the local authority associations.