§ Mr. Knowlesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with police authorities and chief constables about the provision of Government funds to buy additional equipment for dealing with riots.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Department's officials and Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary keep in regular contact with chief officers of police about all aspects of the policing of their force areas including the availability of public order equipment. Government funding for properly incurred police expenditure is provided through the normal police grant arrangements.
§ Mr. Knowlesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Metropolitan police will be equipped with fireproof overalls and riot helmets with neck protection; and what information he has on plans for chief contables to purchase such equipment.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that all shield-trained officers in the Metropolitan police have been issued with riot helmets and fire resistant overalls, both which offer some neck protection. All other police forces in England and Wales hold stocks of riot helmets and fire resistant overalls or uniforms. Records of the exact type of protective equipment held by each force are not held centrally.