§ 4. Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent on advertising to encourage police recruitment in 1967; and how much he estimates will be spent in 1968.
§ Mr. CallaghanExcluding sums spent locally by police authorities, £235,113 has been spent during the present financial year in England and Wales. I am in touch with the local authority associations about the level of expenditure next year, but no decision has yet been made.
§ Mr. CordleDoes the Secretary of State agree that this money has largely been wasted because of the foolhardy decision to limit police recruitment during the year? Will he assure potential police recruits, those who have been turned away this year, that they will be given places in 1969?
§ Mr. CallaghanI think that the hon. Gentleman misunderstands the difference between recruitment and an increase in establishment. In fact, according to my calculations, well over 6,000 recruits will be needed during the course of the current year to make up for wastage and for resignations of one sort or another. This will also include a number to add to the strength of the force. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will correct any misapprehension to the effect that recruits are not needed. There is a limitation put on the increase in strength that forces are able to take on during the current financial stringency, but I hope that that position will be reviewed in the next year.