§ Mr. LawrenceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police stations now operate the procedure for tape-recording interviews with suspects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI regret that information is not available in the form requested.
The rate at which tape-recording is implemented in individual force areas is for chief officers to decide having regard to the available resources and after consulting other agencies in the criminal justice system.
I understand that, as at 31 March 1988, most forces in England and Wales had begun phased implementation programmes, and that two forces were tape-recording interviews at stations throughout their force areas. I further understand that the small number of forces, which have not yet started pilot tape-recording schemes, plan to do so over the next few months. It remains the intention to secure full implementation of tape-recording arrangements throughout England and Wales by 1991.