§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether, if the use of the experimental surveillance camera at Dartford Tunnel is successful, his Department proposes to install similar cameras on all major bridges and road tunnels in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement;
(2) for what reason a surveillance camera, capable of photographing the number plates of all vehicles and 7W identifying their owners, has been placed at the entrance to the Dartford Tunnel for an experimental period; and if he will report on the results of this experiment to Parliament.
§ Mr. MayhewThe experiment is intended to examine, under proper safeguards, the possibility of using modern technology to help police to detect stolen vehicles. The project was reported to Parliament in the 1980 report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HC 409). Progress will be reported in that way from time to time. No decisions have been taken about operational use of the equipment. That will be a matter for discussion with chief officers of police should the experiment show that the equipment is effective and the results satisfactory.