To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the use and supply of crack cocaine in the Greater London area.

The use of crack cocaine in London is of major concern to both the Government and the police. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and the Commissioner (Sir John Stevens) have discussed it at their periodic meeting. Additionally officials from this Department have met regularly with the Metropolitan police to discuss this and other issues, especially in connection with the Metropolitan police's current review of its operations and policy.

My right hon. Friend Mr. Denham and I have also met Commander Brown of the Metropolitan police who heads Operation Trident.