§ 17. Mr. Andrew MacKayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police manning levels in the Thames Valley force.
§ Mr. BrittanDuring the past five years the strength of the Thames Valley police has increased by 516, from 2,653 to 3,169 at the end of January 1984. It is the responsibility of the police authority to fix the authorised establishment of the force, subject to my approval. Since May 1979, 270 additional police officer posts have been approved for the Thames Valley police, bringing the establishment up to 3,267. I understand that the 100 posts that I authorised last November will be filled by July 1984.
§ Mr. MacKayDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that police to population manning levels in Thames Valley are still very low and that there is great pressure on the force because it has to attend the Greenham common base to protect a national deterrent?
§ Mr. BrittanThat is right and it has been recognised by extra financial provision. The first point raised by my hon. Friend is recognised in the fact that Thames Valley police has had the largest increase of any non-metropolitan police force since January 1979.
§ Mr. John FraserWhy does the Home Secretary praise the police for employing more people and spending more money when his colleagues castigate local government for doing exactly the same thing?
§ Mr. BrittanI think that the hon. Gentleman will find that there is no difference of opinion in the Government about the priority to be given to law and order and the means of securing it.