HC Deb 21 December 1982 vol 34 c427W
Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was paid from Metropolitan Police funds for the provision of information leading to the conviction of William Tobin at the Old Bailey in September 1981.

Mr. Mayhew

It would not be in the public interest to reveal whether payments of this sort were made in any particular case, or to disclose the amounts of them.

Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the practice of officers of the Metropolitan Police to pay money on behalf of insurance companies to police informants when information has led to a successful conviction; whether such money was paid in this way after the conviction of William Tobin in September 1981 at the Old Bailey; and how much was paid.

Mr. Mayhew

In certain circumstances at the request of an insurance company a regard may be paid by the Metropolitan Police on behalf of an insurance company. But it would not be in the public interest to reveal whether transactions of this sort took place in any individual case. Rewards by the Metropolitan Police are paid only after authorisation at a senior level.