§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the home Department whether he will allocate specific additional funds to police authorities to pay for the erection on lighting columns of approved neighbourhood watch scheme signs at the discretion and under the control of local police forces.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have no plans to provide Funds additional to those provided directly through the police grant, which is paid on 51 per cent. of all police expenditure. It is for police authorities to decide on the allocation of the resources at their disposal. I understand that some have funded the erection of neighbourhood watch street signs. However, many schemes have obtained private sponsorship to cover the cost of signs and this is to be encouraged. Effective local crime prevention initiatives such as neighbourhood watch need and deserve the support of all sectors of the community.