§ 13. Mr. HawksleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for expanding the special constabulary.
§ Mr. Charles WardleA campaign was launched last year to increase the numbers of special constables in the forces of England and Wales. Our intention is to recruit an extra 10,000 special constables and bring totals up to 25,000.
§ Mr. HawksleyI thank my hon. Friend for those encouraging figures. However, it is disappointing that he does not offer any specific proposals for increased methods of recruitment. Will he consider setting up a special constabulary on the same basis as the Territorial Army?
§ Mr. WardleA three-year promotional campaign is under-way and it has started with promise. At present there are some 18,000 special constables and, in the first year of the campaign, an extra 14 per cent. growth has been seen. So the incentive is there. Comparison with the Territorial Army suggests a bounty scheme. That has been considered by the forces that have special constables and the Dorset constabulary is planning a pilot scheme.
Since my hon. Friend the Member for Halesowen and Stourbridge (Mr. Hawksley) mentioned special constables, I hope, Madam Speaker, that you will allow me to mention the murder 11 days ago of special constable Goodman. Mr. Goodman was one of those special constables who, like their colleagues in the regular force, put their lives at risk in the line of duty. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State and my noble Friend the Minister have sent their condolences to Mrs. Goodman and I know that the House will wish to join me in expressing similar sentiments to the bereaved family.