To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what crime prevention measures he intends introducing for Scotland. [5231]

On 11 December, my right hon. Friend announced plans for the deployment of 500 additional operational police officers, backed up by improved technology, which we expect will help to prevent crime. I announced, on 13 December, a £4 million CCTV challenge competition for Scotland to help fund more CCTV schemes, which have a clear effect on preventing crime. The Scottish Crime Prevention Council will continue its programme of crime prevention measures, which have achieved much since the council was set up in 1992. My right hon. Friend and I welcome the fact that recorded crime is falling—7 per cent. in the first six months of 1995, following reductions in the three previous years—and further reduction remains a major concern of the Government.