HL Deb 25 February 2002 vol 631 cc171-2WA
Lord Smith of Leigh

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they intend to contribute towards the cost of policing the Manchester Commonwealth Games to ensure that there is neither a large increase in the precept of Greater Manchester Police Authority nor a reduction in policing throughout the conurbation. [HL2365]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)

On 30 January it was announced that my right honourable friend the Home Secretary had approved a special grant of £3 million to Greater Manchester Police Authority as a contribution to the additional costs of policing the Commonwealth Games.

We have asked officials, with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, to look closely at the question of additional costs of policing the games. On the basis of their further assessment my right honourable friend the Home Secretary will consider to what extent, if any, he is prepared to make any further grant to the Greater Manchester Police Authority.