HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc782-3W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he is aware that since 31st December 1972 the number of two-way personal radios to assist the Metropolitan Police has increased from 6.315 to 7,957 at 30th June 1977; and what was the figure for 1st October 1977;

(2) whether he is aware that since 31st December 1972 the vehicles supporting services for the Metropolitan Police had increased from 871 to 1.016 at 30th June 1977: and what was the figure for 1st October 1977;

(3) whether he is aware that the number of two-way radios fitted to vehicles and river craft to assist the Metropolitan Police had increased from 2,120 on 31st December 1972 to 3,363 on 30th June 1977; and what was the figure on 1st October 1977;

(4) whether he is aware that by 30th June 1977 the number of full-time civilian staff assisting the Metropolitan Police, other than traffic wardens, had increased from 9,574 on 31st December 1972 to 10.371; and what was the figure for 1st October 1977;

(5) whether he is aware that on 31st December 1972 there were 1,966 cars and vans assisting the Metropolitan Police and that by 30th June 1977 these had increased to 2,181; and what was the figure for 1st October 1977.

Mr. Merlyn Rees:

Yes; the corresponding totals as at 30th September 1977 were as follows:

Personal two-way radios 7,957
Vehicles—support services (cars, coaches, vans, etc., including spare vehicles) 1,021
Two-way radios fitted to vehicles and river craft 3,363
Full time civilian staff other than traffic wardens 10,374
Vehicles—Police Section (cars, vans, etc.) 2,184

Mr. Jeffrey Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what change, if any, there has been in the number of empty dwellings owned by the Metropolitan Police since December 1976 to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Merlyn Rees:

A substantial reduction in the number of empty flats and houses owned by the Metropolitan Police has been achieved since last December when 700–16 .7 per cent.—of the total of 4,200 were empty. Of the present total of 4,167 dwellings, 400–9 .6 per cent.—are empty, either awaiting new occupants or undergoing repairs and redecoration.