§ Ms. Clare Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to encourage the extension of privatisation of services within the police and fire services.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. and learned Friend hopes that police and fire authorities will consider the scope for contracting out support services in connection with the theme of value for money contained in his speech on 7 November to the Association of County Councils, copies of which have been deposited with the Library of the House.
§ Ms. Clare Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria he uses to approve capital projects such as centralised vehicle repair workshops within the police services.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe basic criterion applied is that of operational need. Thereafter, detailed project cost control procedures are applied to the actual design proposals.
§ Ms. Clare Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria he uses when considering whether or not to approve capital projects, such as centralised command and control systems, within the police forces.
§ Mr. Giles ShawIn considering proposals for major equipment by the Metropolitan police, my right hon. and learned Friend, as police authority, expects to see an investment appraisal which sets out the objectives; the options which have been considered; the costs and benefits of each option; an assessment of the effect on police and civilian manpower; purchasing and financing proposals; and other relevant considerations.
637WAs for such purchases by other forces in England and Wales, the Department has asked to be informed of major police computer projects and provides guidance to chief officers and police authorities as appropriate. Further guidance will shortly be issued on the considerations to be taken into account in order to ensure that value for money is obtained.