§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he measures the value for money obtained by the increased use of computers by police forces.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on 29 November at column541. It is for police authorities to satisfy them-selves that expenditure on police computers represents good value for money. Moreover, my right hon. and learned Friend is encouraging chief officers to evaluate operational systems and to ensure that new systems are installed only after careful consideration of objectives, options and costs. As explained, the Department will shortly be issuing further guidance to chief officers of police and police authorities on the considerations to be taken into account in order to ensure that value for money is obtained.