§ Mr. RuffleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been invested at current prices by the Government in each year since 1979 in new technology to help the police deal with crime. [11355]
§ Mr. MichaelThe information is not available in the form requested. In the years 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 respectively, the Home Office budget for central scientific and technical support for the police is £48.9 million, £51.9 million and £59.4 million at 1997–98 prices. It should be noted that these are aggregate figures and will cover such items as the general operating costs of the police national computer.
One of its next steps agencies, the Forensic Science Service, has invested or will invest the following over the same period: £3 million, £3.1 million and £3.4 million on capital investment in new technology, and £3.5 million, £2.9 million and £3 million on research and development activity, excluding equipment, all at 1997–98 prices.