§ Mr. CameronTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Home Office expects the airwave radio to be in service in the Thames Valley660W police area; what the original estimate was for when airwave radios would be introduced into the Thames Valley police area; what changes have been made in the payment of government grant in respect of the airwave radio system in (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [129423]
§ Ms BlearsThe Airwave network became available for operational use in the Thames Valley police area on 23 July 2003. The force is expected to be fully operational on the Airwave service by August 2004. The original estimate for the introduction of the Airwave service in Thames Valley was 24 June 2002.
The payment of government grant in respect of Airwave is adjusted in each police force depending on progress of the rollout. In the case of Thames Valley, the force received payment in 2002–03 to assist with setting-up costs, but no payment was made for the service itself. Payment in 2003–04 will cover the core Airwave service and part of the extra features required by the Thames Valley Police Constabulary to ensure its specific operational needs are met.