§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police station front-counters have closed in the Metropolitan police force area since 1 January; if he will break down the closed counters by police borough; and if he will make a statement. [136575]
§ Mr. Charles Clarke[holding answer 6 November, 2000]: It is for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to determine the hours of business of police station front-counters. I understand from the Commissioner that a total of seven police station front-counters have closed in the Metropolitan Police force area since 1 January 2000: two in Bexley, one in 216W Bromley, three in Harrow and one in Hounslow. In all cases where front counter services have been withdrawn, a free 24-hour telephone service has been provided at the relevant police building with a direct link to the local police control room. This ensures that members of the public are still able to speak to a police officer or member of the civil staff at all times.