Looking for a sector with potential growth? Police forces in England and Wales spent £2,700 an hour last year on translation services, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Thirty-seven of all 43 police forces replied to a Freedom of Information request from the Conservatives and revealed a total bill of £24.1m for translation services in 2006/07, up 64% from 14.6m in 2004. The biggest increases were reported by forces in Cumbria (386%), Durham (293%) and Gwent (250%).

The services helped police to better communicate with suspects and witnesses.