To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on steps being taken to increase the crime detection rate.

In 1987, the overall clear-up rate rose from 32 per cent. to 33 per cent. Operational decisions about the investigation of crime are a matter for chief officers. They are adopting a range of strategies, including crime screening and administrative support units, to help target resources more effectively. The Home Office is supporting work to improve the quality of the scientific and technological support available to the police. But in seeking to prevent and detect crime the police also need the help of the whole community. The Government's new crime prevention advertising campaign is aimed at encouraging individuals and groups to involve themselves in this task. Better prevention of crime will allow the police to concentrate resources on the detection of more serious offences.