HC Deb 26 November 2002 vol 395 cc203-4W
John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she has allocated for(a) police training,(b) investment in security communications equipment, and(c) police vehicles in Sierra Leone. [82659]

Clare Short

We assist the Sierra Leone Police through the Commonwealth Community Safety and Security Project (CCSSP), which has been carrying out extensive police reform since August 2000 with the aim of improving safety and security and respect for the rights of people, especially the poor, by re-establishing the Sierra Leone Police as an effective and accountable civilian police service. This project has allocated £ 1.5 million to provide training for over 9,000 officers. Two senior officers have successfully completed the Strategic Command Course at Bramshill Police Staff delegations. It is important that increased rates of spend are matched with evidence of improved effectiveness and impact.

College, and 28 officers will have successfully completed the International Commanders Programme there by the end of 2002. With the exception of these two courses, all training has been carried out within Sierra Leone.

We have provided £ 1.25 million for an extensive nationwide police communications network to be installed based on VHP and HF technology. Major cities and towns are linked over HF radio. Over 1,000 personal and vehicle radios are in use, and a modern command and control centre has been developed in Freetown. The system is supported by expert advice and training, spares supply and maintenance procedures.

We have allocated £ 3.5 million for 155 Land Rovers, 158 motor cycles, 47 medium carriers, 24 large carriers, 10 ambulances/closed vans and 10 cars for the Sierra Leone Police. In addition spare parts for these vehicles and extensive support has been given in areas of fleet management, fuel control and mechanical training.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to tackle the funding shortfall of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone. [82660]

Mr. Rammell

I have been asked to reply.

We are concerned by the shortfall in funding for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The UK has contributed some £ 500,000, including £ 250,000 in set-up costs.

We have pressed other donors to support its work; at the World Bank Consultative Group Meeting on Sierra Leone in Paris on 13– 14 November.