HC Deb 25 July 1983 vol 46 cc277-8W
Mr. Wheeler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the cost to the Metropolitan police of exercising responsibility for lost and found property; and whether any arrangements are being undertaken for the review of this activity.

Mr. Hurd

The net cost to the Metropolitan police of headquarters staff and transport devoted wholly to dealing with lost and found property is approximately £47,000 per annum after deduction of receipts from the sale of unclaimed property. Police officers in districts are also involved in this work as part of their normal duties but the cost of this cannot be separately identified. The commissioner is now reviewing this activity.

Mr. Wheeler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the cost of training and equipping police motor cyclists in the Metropolitan police; and how many officers are assigned to such duties.

Mr. Hurd

The cost of the standard training course and the equipment for a police motor cyclist in the Metropolitan police is approximately £1,760, excluding the cost of the motor cycle The force has 527 motor cycles which cost a total of £1,241,714. Some 1,000 officers in the Metropolitan police have been trained in, and may be called upon to perform, motor cycle duties; but in a normal working day only about 200 are regularly assigned to such duties.

Mr. Wheeler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many motor vehicle maintenance depots and garages there are for the Metropolitan police; what is the total cost on an annual basis; and whether any arrangements are being considered for contracting out or competitive tender.

Mr. Hurd

The Metropolitan police have 14 vehicle maintenance depots and garages. It is not possible to give the total cost because most of the buildings used are shared with other police departments. A study is being conducted of the comparative costs and advantages of external and internal vehicle maintenance work, with a view to a possible increase in contracting out and competitive tendering.

Mr. Wheeler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current average inclusive cost of a Metropolitan police officer.

Mr. Hurd

The total net cost of the Metropolitan police for the financial year 1982–83, divided by the average strength (all ranks) over the year, produces an annual inclusive cost of £23,517 per officer.