§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what additional funding the British Transport Police receive for duties undertaken in respect of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001; and if he will make a statement. [107122]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 provides officers of the British Transport Police (BTP) with jurisdiction outside the railways in certain, specified circumstances. The number of incidents where BTP officers respond in such circumstances accounts for some 1 per cent. of their activities each year. The costs are absorbed within BTP's budget and are offset by the assistance provided to BTP by local police forces for which BTP are not charged.
§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the funding of the British Transport Police. [107369]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe British Transport Police (BTP) Committee sets the budget for the force and the users of the BTP, such as London Underground, Network Rail and the train operating companies provide the necessary funding.
Where the BTP contributes to national policing initiatives and wider public benefits are available, the Government accepts that central funding can be justified. Additional Government funding of over £5 million has been provided to allow the BTP to participate fully in the Street Crime Initiative and the new national police radio system.