HC Deb 29 January 1987 vol 109 cc342-3W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Metropolitan police have considered adopting the local authority management information system; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the Metropolitan police have a computerised financial information system which is due for replacement in the 1990s. It is too early to say which system would best suit the needs of the force when the time for replacement becomes due.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how he exercises budgetary control over the Metropolitan police; how he ensures that the objectives and priorities agreed with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis are implemented most cost-effectively; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will make a statement on the procedures and criteria used in fixing the cash limit for the Metropolitan police.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Descriptions of the responsibilities for planning and controlling Metropolitan police resources and the rules and procedures which govern expenditure at all levels are contained in the finance and manpower code. A copy of the code is in the Library.

Mr. Tony Banks asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list those occasions since 1984 when the Metropolitan police have received assistance from other police forces (a) within the United Kingdom and (b) outside the United Kingdom;

(2) if he will list the occasions since 1984 when the Metropolitan police have seconded or otherwise provided officers to assist other police forces (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) outside the United Kingdom;

(3) if he will list those occasions since 1984 when the Metropolitan police have provided mutual aid to other police forces in the United Kingdom; stating the numbers and ranks of officers involved and the reason given for each occasion, naming the aided force.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I shall reply as soon as possible.