§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of maintaining the Metropolitan police force's helicopters in 1985, 1986 and 1987.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the estimated cost of the Metropolitan police air support unit in 1985–86 and 1986–87 was £1,383,000 and £1,422,000 respectively. Estimated expenditure between 1 April and 31 October 1987 is £840,000.
§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on how many times Metropolitan police helicopters have been used during the last year over(a) London and (b) Southwark; how many times their use has been (i) as a specific response to an incident or (ii) for general surveillance purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that between 1 November 1986 and 31 October 1987 a total of 4,460 assignments were carried out, 119 of which were in the Southwark area. Of the total assignments, 3,980 responded to emergency and other direct calls for assistance; the remainder involved routine patrol duties.