§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of files held by the Metropolitan police are kept(a) on computer files exclusively, (b) on paper files exclusively and (c) in both forms. [10614]
§ Mr. MichaelI am informed that the information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the commissioner has provided me with the following information. All centrally registered files which deal with administrative and operational matters, and case papers, are exclusively in paper form. Certain branches including the aliens registration office and the lost property office have their own central registry and all their files are in paper form. Major inquiries, crime reporting and criminal records are all held electronically.