HL Deb 19 July 1989 vol 510 cc902-3WA
The Earl of Winchilsea and Nottingham

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they judge the current policy of "screening out" 85 per cent. of all crimes committed in London to be justified, based on cost, manpower, and available evidence; and whether this is likely to increase or decrease the level of public confidence in the Metropolitan Police.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

The object of crime screening is to focus resources on crimes of greatest public concern and on those with the best prospects of success. All reported crimes are investigated, but detectives have always had to identify priorities for further investigation. All serious crimes are always fully investigated. There is no foundation for the figure of 85 per cent.