HC Deb 23 June 1966 vol 730 cc877-8
12. Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what extra cost he estimates will have to be borne by the ratepayers of Southend owing to his decision to amalgamate the police forces of Essex and Southend.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The apportionment of the cost of a combined force is a matter for discussion by the police authorities concerned.

Mr. Channon

Would not the Home Secretary agree that a great many of these amalgamations, which admittedly are in the public interest, cause concern to ratepayers in the areas, because as a result they have to pay additional rates and rates are already a burden to them?

Mr. Jenkins

I do not wish to prejudge the discussions in any way, but the cost of an amalgamated force should not be greater than the cost of the two separate forces.