with the approval of the US Government.

The old Motorola radios carry sophisticated -- albeit 10-years-old -- computer chips that require the nod of the US State Department for sale to foreign powers and businesses.

Michael Tucker, the civilian head of Police's technology office, said the equipment will be sold to offset the costs of the new system, which costs $600,000 a year to lease in addition to the initial fee.

He said: "Essentially the State Department controls them because of the encryption. The sale will have to be controlled because they are sensitive items.'' Mr. Tucker added: "Indeed, one might say that if we don't find a buyer, their disposal will have to be approved by the State Department as well.''