§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of bicycles in use 358W by police forces in England and Wales in 1981 and in the current year, respectively; and how many police authorities use bicycles as part of any system of community policing.
§ Mr. MayhewThe information is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The use of bicycles by officers of his force is a matter for the chief constable. We welcome any means of ensuring close contact between the police and local communities.