HC Deb 10 March 1983 vol 38 cc466-8W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state for each district of the Metropolitan police during 1982, how many civil suits for damages against the police were concluded, how many were started and are still pending and the amount of damages paid under the provisions of section 48 of the Police Act 1964.

Mr. Mayhew

The information readily available is as follows: 148 actions against the Metropolitan police were initiated in 1982; 33 cases were concluded in 1982 at a total cost of £87,325.27.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state for each district of the Metropolitan police for 1982, the number of police officers who died in the course of duty, the number who were injured by a member of the public, the number who suffered injuries in automobile accidents and the number who took sick leave as a result of accidents received when not on duty; and, in each category, if he will state the total numbers of man-hours lost.

Mr. Mayhew

We understand from the Commissioner that in 1982 two Metropolitan police officers died in the course of duty, both following traffic accidents. They were attached to X district and A department, respectively. A third officer collapsed and died shortly after beginning his initial recruit training course at Hendon. I regret that the other information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will state for each district of the Metropolitan police in 1982, the number of serious crimes that were recorded where criminals carried, displayed or discharged a firearm; and if he will state the number in each category;

(2) if he will state for each district of the Metropolitan police, how many police officers were ordered to resign or allowed to resign in 1982 following investigations or complaints of malpractice;

(3) if he will state the total numbers of reported assaults in each district of the Metropolitan police during 1982 and of this total, how many cases were reported where a female was the victim of a male assault;

(4) if he will state in each of the following categories, in each district of the Metropolitan police, the number of reported crimes cleared up and the number of arrests for rape, indecent assault, unlawful carnal knowledge under 16 years, unlawful carnal knowledge under 13 years, and incest, during 1982.

Mr. Mayhew

We shall reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state for each district of the Metropolitan police in 1982, the number of occasions police attended at the execution of a warrant for eviction; and if he will state the total number of police-hours consumed by such attendance.

Mr. Mayhew

The information requested is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will state for each district of the Metropolitan police in 1982, the number of complaints against police that were made under section 49(1) of the Police Act 1964; how many of these were subsequently withdrawn, and how many were substantiated; what disciplinary or criminal proceedings resulted from such complaints; and what were the results of such proceedings;

(2) if he will state for each district of the Metropolitan police, how many persons were charged with wasting police time following the investigation of a complaint against police under section 49(1) of the Police Act 1964;

(3) if he will state for each district of the Metropolitan police, the number of men who were charged with soliciting or importuning a male person under section 32 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 during 1982.

Mr. Mayhew

The informating requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the establishments and current strengths of the Holborn, Kentish Town and Hampstead divisions of E district of the Metropolitan police.

Mr. Mayhew

We understand from the Commissioner that the information on 6 March 1983 was as follows:

Divison Strength Establishment
Holborn 247 218
Kentish Town 164 181
Hampstead 146 152

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers of each district of the Metropolitan police have been issued with firearms in 1982 who have not attended firearms courses.

Mr. Mayhew

None.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers in each district of the Metropolitan police have attended firearms courses; and of these, how many are classified as passed and how many as marksman.

Mr. Mayhew

We have asked for this information to be collated and my noble Friend will write to the hon. Member when it is available.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, for each district of the Metropolitan police, the weapons which are available for issue to police officers.

Mr. Mayhew

It would not be in the interests of police effectiveness to publish this information.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether E district Metropolitan police has an instant response unit.

Mr. Mayhew

In common with those on all other districts of the Metropolitan police area, officers on E district provide district support units—formerly known as immediate response units—as necessary.