To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many authorities in each (a) London borough and (b) region have issued dispersal orders in each year since their introduction; and if she will make a statement. (269268)

Between January 2004 and 31 March 2006, the police have used the power in section 30 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 to disperse unruly groups in over 1,000 designated areas. Figures are not available broken down by year. Figures for 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2008 by police force area are due to be published shortly.