HC Deb 12 March 2001 vol 364 cc497-8W
Mr. Derek Twigg

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in(a) reducing administration in the police service and (b) ensuring police officers spend more time on operational duties. [151709]

Mr. Charles Clarke

Last year we issued a revised "Manual of Guidance for the Preparation, Processing and Submission of Files" designed to remove unnecessary paperwork. Of 40 forms which officers may fill in before submitting Crown Prosecution Service files, we have removed 11 and are phasing out another six. This, combined with improved communications and new technologies, will ensure that officers maximise time spent on front-line policing.