§ Lord Palmerasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many police, and from how many forces, were involved in the recent hostage situation which culminated in the temporary closure of part of the M4 on 20 to 21 October; and at what cost. [HL917]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)The hostage situation was a complex operation undertaken at extremely short notice. The Chief Constable of Wiltshire has informed me that the force will be holding a debriefing meeting on 18 December to review the operation. When that meeting has taken place the numbers of officers involved in the situation, from how many forces and the cost will be known. I will write to the noble Lord when the information is available.