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23 Jan 2006 : Column 1780W—continued

Illegal Broadcasting

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there were in each of the last five years in relation to (a) pirate radio stations and (b) illegal broadcasts. [38023]

Alun Michael [holding answer 15 December 2005]: Ihave been asked to reply.

I am informed by Ofcom that convictions concerning pirate radio stations and illegal broadcasts in the last five years were as follows.
 
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Number
200041
200120
2002(16)49
2003(17)103
2004(18)60
2005(19)16


(16)Also two formal cautions April to December 2002.
(17)Also five formal cautions.
(18)Also six formal cautions.
(19)Also eight formal cautions and 34 outstanding prosecutions.
Note:
The figures for formal cautions are drawn from an information system which came into service on 1 April 2002.



There is no legal distinction between illegal broadcasters (pirate radio stations) and illegal broadcasts. The figures given therefore cover the two categories.

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

Mr. Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the full report of his Department's investigation into allegations that visas were issued and refused on the basis of applicants' appearance at Lunar House, Croydon will not be published. [43272]

Mr. McNulty: I have undertaken to publish the results of the investigation as fully as I can and will do so as quickly as possible. It is important that those conducting the investigation are not constrained in any way during the investigation and that the outcome is unprejudiced.

By promising to publish a summary of the investigation report I have not ruled out the full report being published, but have enabled the Immigration and Nationality Directorate to maintain the protection of any security processes which may be required.
 
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IRIS Project

Mr. Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 30 November 2005, Official Report, column 597W, on the IRIS project, when he expects to publish the key findings of the project IRIS operational pilot. [42708]

Mr. McNulty: The evaluation of the Project IRIS operational pilot will be commercially sensitive but Iwill report the key findings to the House.

Jo Martinson

Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure disciplinary action is taken against members of the police involved in the failure to bring to court the case of the death of Jo Martinson. [44395]

Hazel Blears: The Chief Officer of Essex has sole responsibility for all operational matters. If any of his officers are found to have breached the Code of Conduct, as set out, in this case, in The Police (Conduct) Regulations 1999 (Statutory Instrument 1999 no. 730), he can institute disciplinary action.

Knives

Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been (a) fined and (b) imprisoned for (i) illegally selling knives to under 16-year-olds and (ii) marketing a bladed product in a manner which (A) indicates that it is suitable for combat and (B) is likely to promote simulations of violent behaviour since the Knives Act 1997 in (1) Greater London and (2) each London borough. [43577]

Hazel Blears: The information for London is shown in the table. Statistics are not available for each London borough.
Offenders sentenced to fines and imprisonment for offences under the Knives Act 1997, London

19971998199920002001200220032004
Unlawful marketing of knives (selling or hiring)(20)
Sentenced00000000
Fine00000000
Immediate custody00000000
Unlawful marketing of knives (offering or exposing to sell or hire)(20)
Sentenced00000000
Fine00000000
Immediate custody00000000
Unlawful marketing of knives—having in possession for the purpose of sale or hire(20)
Sentenced00000000
Fine00000000
Immediate custody00000000
Publication of any written pictorial or other material in connection with the marketing of any knife—the material suggesting/indicating knife suitable for combat September 1997(20)
Sentenced00000000
Fine00000000
Immediate custody00000000
Publication of any written pictorial or other material in connection with the marketing of any knife—the material is otherwise likely to simulate or encourage violent behaviour involving use of the knife as a weapon(20)
Sentenced00000000
Fine00000000
Immediate custody00000000
Selling a knife etc. to a person under 16 years(21)
Sentenced02101331
Fine02101331
Immediate custody00000000


(20)These sections of the Act came into force in September 1997.
(21)This offence is not included in the Knives Act 1997. It is covered by the Offensive Weapons Act 1996 S.6(1).
Source:
RDS-NOMS 18 January 2006.





 
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London Bombings

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the HomeDepartment what use the police made of public mobile communications networks during the response operation to the incidents on the London Underground and bus network on 7 July 2005. [43780]

Hazel Blears: I refer the hon. member to the answer I gave on 17 January 2006, Official Report, column 1273W .

Miniature Motorbikes

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the police about the illegal use of miniature motorbikes and quad bikes; what plans his Department has to tackle this misuse; if he will establish a compulsory registration scheme for such bikes; and if he will take steps to prohibit ownership for a set period of time by individuals who have been caught using them illegally. [41834]

Hazel Blears: We are aware of public concern about the misuse of these vehicles and the issue has been raised with us by the police and by other antisocial behaviour practitioners.

The police already have a power under the Police Reform Act to seize any mechanically propelled vehicle which is being driven either in a careless and inconsiderate manner on-road or off-road without lawful authority contrary to s3 or s34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and is causing or likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public. The driver can also be prosecuted for the Road Traffic Act offence and penalised accordingly.

The Home Office issued on 1 November additional guidance to the police on this legislation, explaining the rationale behind its various aspects, clarifying its terms and the circumstances in which it might be used and offering examples of effective operations. At the same time Regulations governing use of the power were simplified. The Government are now considering what more can be done to curb the problem; including whether there is a need for further legislation, and mandatory registration. We have no current plans to prohibit ownership.
 
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National Criminal Intelligence Service

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for theHome Department if he will require the National Criminal Intelligence Service to allow inward communication from the public via e-mail and the internet; and if he will make a statement. [44240]

Hazel Blears: The National Criminal Intelligence Service was not set up to receive reports direct from members of the public, but provides links which the public can use to make contact electronically with the appropriate authority.

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