HC Deb 13 January 1997 vol 288 cc42-3W
Mr. Ingram

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much has been spent to date on the prior options review of the police scientific development branch; and from which budget these sums were paid; [10058]

(2) what estimate he has made of the future costs of the prior options review of the police scientific development branch; and from which budget these sums will be paid. [10059]

Mr. Maclean

The costs of the prior options review of the police scientific development branch are estimated to be £64,000. This figure represents the costs of the review team and of consultancy advice obtained by PSDB. The sums were paid from the budget of the police policy directorate.

The review was completed in March 1996 and, as such, no future costs are anticipated. The findings of the review remain under consideration.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) United Kingdom, (b) European and (c) international committees include employees of the police scientific development branch as representatives of United Kingdom interests; and how many of these employees are leading the United Kingdom team on their committee; [10060]

(2) how many (a) United Kingdom, (b) European and (c) international committees are chaired by employees of the police scientific development branch. [10061]

Mr. Maclean

Employees of the police scientific development branch sit on 84 United Kingdom committees, five European committees and eight committees with a wider international membership. PSDB staff take the lead for the United Kingdom on three of these European committees and six of the wider international committees.

Nine United Kingdom committees and one European committee are chaired by employees of PSDB.