HL Deb 18 May 1999 vol 601 cc21-2WA
Lord Burton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Burlison on 29 April (WA 63): (a) why they have not added, and when they intended to add, "Fraud" to the Home Office National Police Objectives; and (b) what incentive is given to chief officers of police to direct manpower and financial resources to tackling fraud if it is not included in the Home Office National Police Objectives. [HL2381]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I have little to add to the reply given by the noble Lord, Lord Burlison, on 29 April, save to emphasise once again that tackling fraud is one of the many activities that the police are obliged to undertake. Ministerial priorities (previously known as Key National Objectives) require the police to focus their activity so that the crimes that most concern the public are given greater emphasis. This does not mean that other types of crime receive or should receive no attention and all advice to the police makes this clear. Ministerial priorities also encourage chief officers to make progress on local issues as identified by consultation with the community. For example, tackling fraud is an important local objective for the City of London Police.