§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the operational value is of running three Volkswagen, two Mitsubishi and one Peugeot vehicle for the Atomic Energy Police. [19758]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Constabulary employ their vehicles on patrol and escort duties. Two of the four-wheel drive Volkswagen Transporter Synchro vehicles are employed as dog patrol vehicles and one is employed on general 661W patrol duties. The Mitsubishi products are armoured vehicles performing duty as escort vehicles for special material convoys. The Peugeot Expert van is another general patrol vehicle.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the advantages are of(a) not operating and (b) operating a central purchasing policy for the Atomic Energy Police. [19757]
§ Mr. WilsonThe UK Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary (AEAC) operates a Central Purchasing Policy. Vehicles are purchased through the Home Office Framework Arrangement for the purchases of vehicles and spare parts by the Police and Fire Authorities. The advantage of operating such a policy is the value for money that this provides. The negotiation with the various manufacturers is made on behalf of the entire Police Service and the rates of discount are applied across the Service. Rates of discount available outside the framework arrangement are nowhere near as beneficial. In relation to clothing, the Constabulary purchases from a consortium with other forces, again being able to take advantage of the benefits that buying on a larger scale brings. Both of these initiatives are supported by the Police Authority as best value initiatives.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what personal vehicle is available to the Chief Constable of the Atomic Energy Police. [19759]
§ Mr. WilsonA range of vehicles is available to the Chief Constable up to a certain value. He has selected a Mercedes 'C' class saloon.