§ 1. Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will outline steps which he has taken designed to strengthen the police force.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Reginald Maudling)The recent pay award was designed to attract recruits and to reduce the premature loss of trained police. Recruiting publicity is continuing at a high level. Increased investment in equipment, transport and telecommunications is also planned.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkDoes the Home Secretary agree that one of the principal problems is that of wastage through premature retirement? Would that not be one of the most promising lines on which to try to advance?
§ Mr. MaudlingI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. In fact, the pay award was framed with that consideration very much in mind. I am happy to say that the wastage situation was better last year, and I am hopeful that this trend will continue.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganHow far below establishment are present force levels, and how does the estimated recruiting target for this year compare with the annual average for the years 1965–70?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe hon. Gentleman will not be surprised that I am not able to answer the second part of his supplementary question without notice. On the first part of his question, the establishment of the police force on 31st March this year was 109,000, against a strength of 94,000. Therefore, there is a difference of 15,000, which is large.