§ Mr. HoonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police authorities have decided to withdraw the automatic fingerprint recognition system; how many of these authorities no longer keep paper records and now have no way of checking fingerprints; and if he will make a statement on the implications for public safety. [18150]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 4 April 1995]: The AFR consortium, which represents 36 police forces in England and Wales, has decided to terminate its existing contract for the provision of automated fingerprint recognition facilities and to make new arrangements. All the police forces concerned retain paper records. My Department is monitoring the implications of these developments for the effectiveness of the police service in consultation with the AFR consortium.