§ Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the progress of the experimental work at present taking place into the use of computers in the investigation of serious crimes.
§ Mr. HurdAn experimental computer system code-named MIRIAM, which provides comprehensive facilities for assisting the police in the investigation of major crimes has now been installed and will begin operational trials with the Essex police in July.
While the work has been progressing the Department has examined ways of using microcomputers in major investigations and of transferring data from a microcomputer to a larger facility if the limited capacity of the microcomputer is exceeded. This work is now virtually complete, and guidance will shortly be issued to chief officers.