HC Deb 27 January 1966 vol 723 cc388-9
35. Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will estimate to the latest convenient date the deficiency in numbers of the police in England and Wales; and what steps, in consultation with police authorities, he is taking to remedy this.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

On 31st December, 1965, the number of men police officers in England and Wales was 14,542 below the authorised establishment. The national police recruitment campaign, which has helped to improve recruitment, is to be continued in the coming financial year.

In order to stimulate recruitment in forces with substantial deficiencies, the Official Side of the Police Council for Great Britain made proposals for increased pay in London and certain other forces. The Police Arbitration Tribunal endorsed the proposals for London and recommended further consideration by the Police Council of undermanning allowances outside London.

The best use of police manpower and other matters of concern to the service will be discussed by the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales at a meeting on Monday next under my chairmanship.

Mr. Lloyd

While the police are still understaffed, would the right hon. Gentleman consider recommending to chief constables a wider adoption of the scheme of specialised squads which has been so useful in Birmingham, Liverpool and some other large cities?

Mr. Jenkins

As the right hon. Member will appreciate, through the Inspectorate at the Home Office we are in contact with chief constables to ensure that from advances and progress made in some parts of the country the experience gained is used in other parts of the country.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Are we to understand from the Home Secretary's Answer—I hope I have got it right—that he is considering eventually a rather more forthcoming method of police pay? If he does, as many of us hope he will be able to, will he angle his offer, award or however he looks at it, to reward for efficiency and give increased pay where police are most needed?

Mr. Jenkins

We are proceeding now, and intend to do so, to discuss the manning of forces outside London. In reply to the other part of the question by the right hon. Member, I am sure he will appreciate that it is important in matters of police pay to proceed through the established machinery.