§ Mr. Lordasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Suffolk as to the recent incidence of attacks on village post offices in Suffolk; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will make a statement on the adequacy of co-operation between the various bodies responsible for the protection and security of sub-post offices in rural areas.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the chief constable of Suffolk that in the period 5 July to 7 November seven offences of burglary and three of attempted burglary involving sub-post office premises have been committed in villages in the county. The Suffolk police investigation into these offences is co-ordinated with that of the No. 5 regional crime squad and of Norfolk and Essex forces, where similar offences have occurred. I am satisfied that excellent co-operation exists between the police and the Post Office investigation department, which has responsibility for security at Post Office premises, in the prevention and investigation of offences involving rural sub-post offices.