Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 May 2004. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 May 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what changes are necessary to ensure the Liverpool Unit achieves the full benefits of co-location.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes are necessary to ensure the Liverpool Unit achieves the full benefits of co-location. [170566] Ms Blears: The benefits can be seen in reductions in robbery in Merseyside. There were 5 per cent. fewer robberies in Merseyside in 2002-03 than in 2001-02. Merseyside aims to provide a good quality of prosecution, using the Premium Service approach. This involves the Crown Prosecution Service working closely with the police, with whom they are co-located, from an early stage of investigation to facilitate incisive progression of cases through the courts, with their co- operation.

Secondary information