HL Deb 24 March 1999 vol 598 c159WA
Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the purpose of "Operation Outreach" conducted by the Derbyshire police during the years 1995 to 1997; and whether it is ongoing; and [HL1575]

Whether Peter Clarence Foster, currently under process of extradition from Australia by the Serious Fraud Office, is or was a registered informant to the Derbyshire police involved in "Operation Outreach". [HL1576]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

I understand from the Derbyshire police that they have not conducted any operation within the specified period named "Operation Outreach". The noble Lord may be referring to a drugs "outreach" programme operating at Her Majesty's Prison, Sudbury. This ongoing project is aimed at educating young people about the dangers of involvement in drugs, using prisoners to deliver the message in an innovative way.

It is not the policy of the police either to confirm or deny whether anyone is a registered informant.