§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will assess the benefits of the Audit Commission proposal for the creation of a178W multi-agency helpline to relieve pressure on the existing 999 emergency number; and if he will make a statement. [128533]
§ Mr. Mike O'Brien[holding answer 5 July 2000]: I have asked officials, in consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers, to develop proposals for a new call handling strategy. Relieving pressure on the 999 service and using new technology to receive from and provide information to the public will be considered as part of that strategy.