§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the possible breakdown of fingerprint services at Scotland Yard through the departure of experienced staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe received a number of representations about the effect on Metropolitan Police fingerprint officers of the delay in settling the pay of the scientific Civil Service, to which they are linked. It would not be right to suggest that the service is approaching a breakdown, but the shortage of staff is still a cause for concern.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new salary levels have been introduced for fingerprint officers at Scotland Yard; and if he is satisfied that this will result in an adequate level of recruitment.
§ Dr. SummerskillMetropolitan Police fingerprint officers are linked for the purposes of pay to the scientific Civil Service and have received all the increases recently given to that group. These increases should improve recruitment.276W A claim on behalf of the fingerprint officers for further improvement in their pay is under consideration.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the normal time taken for a routine check by the fingerprint department at Scotland Yard on fingerprints found at the scene of a crime.
§ Dr. SummerskillMost cases are cleared within a week of the receipt of the prints.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the full establishment for the staffing of the fingerprint department at Scotland Yard; how many are currently employed; and how many have left the department in the last year.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe establishment for fingerprint officers is 346, and the current strength is 296. In addition 13 police officers are employed in the branch. 58 fingerprint officers have resigned in the last 12 months.