HC Deb 07 December 1973 vol 865 cc492-3W
Mr. Adam Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the intention of the Metropolitan Police Force to place orders for United States electronic timing and distance measuring equipment; if he is aware that such equipment has been developed in the United Kingdom; and, in particular, if he will investigate the claims of a firm, whose name is in his possession, to be able to produce equipment of improved performance at a lower cost and which could in the long term make savings in the balance of payments.

Mr. Carlisle

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has recently ordered 27 VASCAR speed monitoring instruments, made in the United States. I understand that no British instrument has been developed which performs the same function, but some firms, including the one referred to by my hon. Friend, have expressed an interest and have been given technical information about police requirements.