§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to increase uniformed police presence on London underground; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe complement of the division of the British Transport police responsible for the underground was increased in December 1988 to 400 officers. The division is now up to establishment. The increased number of officers will allow the home beat system to be extended throughout the network. This will result in a higher uniformed police presence on the underground. Police response times are being improved by opening new area police stations and by the installation of a new radio system to allow communication below ground. The Department of Transport is considering amendments to the force scheme governing the British Transport police which would allow the introduction of special constables.