§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what studies he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the effects of contracting out services supplied by civilian personnel of police forces, with particular reference to (i) the morale of those currently employed, (ii) the security of information, (iii) unpredictable surges of work due to emergencies, (iv) discipline, (v) collective levels of skills and experience and (vi) the quality of communication with the forces concerned. [8810]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 16 December 1996]These are operational matters for chief officers. As police authority for the Metropolitan police, I am aware that there has been a recent review of support services for the force and the Commissioner has advised me of the recommendations made and the decisions reached.