§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement regarding the improvements which have been made in police equipment since June 1970; and whether it is his intention to make any further improvements.
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§ Mr. CarlisleSubstantial progress has been made in developing and bringing into use equipment to improve police efficiency. In the fields in which the Home Office is directly involved there have been notable improvements in communications equipment; a national computer to enable forces throughout the country to have speedy access to information and records needed in their fight against crimes has been installed and will be brought into operational use during 1974; and many other items of equipment have been developed and are being brought into use by individual forces. Our intention is to continue to give all practicable help to forces in bringing about further improvements.