§ Mr. Charles Wardleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the report of the review of the regional crime squads; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdMy predecessor established in 1985 a review of the effectiveness, management and financing of Regional Crime Squads. The review was conducted by representatives of the local authority and police associations under Home Office chairmanship. Their report, which is unanimous, makes a number of valuable recommendations which I accept.
I particularly welcome the renewed commitment of all concerned in the tripartite structure of regional crime squads, and the valuable contribution which the review makes to improving their efficiency and effectiveness. I am placing a copy of the report in the Library. Advice will shortly be issued to police authorities and chief officers of police on the implementation of the report's recommendations.