15. Major MILLSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many boroughs or county boroughs there are in England and Wales with a population of 50,000 or under which have separate police forces; what is the total cost of those forces; and what is the amount per annum which would be saved if those forces were amalgamated with their neighbouring county forces?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Douglas Hacking)Forty-five boroughs, including two county boroughs, in England and Wales of population under 50,000 have separate police forces, and their total net police expenditure in 1930–31 was £598,000. Any estimate of the saving to police funds if those forces were merged with the county forces can only be tentative, as it would depend in each case on the extent of the reorganisation that became possible on amalgamation. On the basis, however, of the tentative estimate framed by the Home Department for the use of the recent Select Committee this House, the saving would be approximately £60,000 1233 a year if all the forty-five forces were merged with the respective county forces Half of the saving would accrue to the Exchequer and half to local rates.
Major MILLSMay I ask my right. hon. Friend if he will consider the advantage of getting from the chief constables of the neighbouring county forces detailed estimates of what economies could be effected by such amalgamations?
§ Mr. HACKINGIt would be very difficult to get detailed estimates from them, because it is impossible to say what the details of the organisation would be. The Home Office is trying to get the best estimate they can, but it is rather difficult.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many boroughs an amalgamation of police forces would cause an increase of rates and would be strongly opposed?
§ Mr. HACKINGNo, I am not aware of that fact.