To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the planned length of Operation Pentameter II was when it was launched; how long she expects it to continue; what progress has been made by the programme; and if she will make a statement. (175615)

When Operation Pentameter 2 was launched on 3 October 2007 it was expected to draw to a conclusion in spring/summer 2008. This remains the position. The Operation has a number of phases. Intelligence gathering, forward planning and co-ordination of agencies began in July 2007. This in turn led to operational activity being undertaken, following which there will be a period of investigative and operational maintenance, which will include the processing of offenders and the continued support of victims. The precise length of the operational phase is not in the public domain for reasons of operational security.

The conduct of the operation will be evaluated on its completion and operational results will be published at that stage.