To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2007, Official Report, column 364W, on police community support officers, what advice the Home Office Scientific Development Branch has given to police forces in England and Wales on the issuing of protective equipment for police community support officers. (121155)

The Home Office Scientific Development Branch regularly advises police forces with regard to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, they have not been asked to provide advice specific to police community support officers. Additionally, any advice is always on the understanding that suitable risk assessments are carried out by the force to determine if PPE is required and the level of protection that the PPE should offer.