Police National Computer Debate

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Department: Home Office

Police National Computer

Lord Sterling of Plaistow Excerpts
Monday 24th October 2022

(2 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Sharpe of Epsom Portrait Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con)
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No, it does not have an unassailable monopoly. It obviously has a long history with the police national computer. When the police national computer finally breathes its last, its monopoly effectively does the same.

Lord Sterling of Plaistow Portrait Lord Sterling of Plaistow (Con)
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Will the noble Lord agree that over the last century pretty well every government contract that has been put out becomes a monopoly? Is it not time that we had a new approach to how such contracts are handed out?

Lord Sharpe of Epsom Portrait Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con)
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That sounds like a very sensible suggestion, and I will take it back to the department. I have not necessarily been around for as long as the noble Lord described.