HC Deb 16 October 1996 vol 282 cc997-8W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans for the location of the pay and pensions branches of the Metropolitan police. [40221]

Mr. Maclean

Between May and August 1996, the Metropolitan police conducted a review of the provision of police and civil staff pay and pension services. The Metropolitan police policy board will shortly be deciding whether to accept the review report's recommendations that pay and pension services should be contracted out, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State as police authority. If contracting out were to take place, the successful contractor or contractors, and the location or locations at which the work would be carried out, would not be identified until the middle of 1997 at the earliest.

Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will extend the remit of the Metropolitan police committee to include reporting on any matters which they consider requires his attention. [40402]

Mr. Maclean

Mr right hon. and learned Friend announced to this House on 9 February 1995 the appointment of the Metropolitan police committee. He gave details of the terms of reference of the MPC. There are no plans to change these terms of reference.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reduce the number of civilian staff employed by the Metropolitan police. [40818]

Mr. Maclean

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that as well as on-going efficiency savings, he has recently initiated a specific review of central support services within the Metropolitan police. The review focused on posts primarily held by civilian staff. Following a consultation period, the Commissioner will discuss the recommendations with his senior colleagues. Final proposals are expected shortly.