§ 12 Mr. HawkinsWhat representations he has received on the level of the police settlement for 1998. [20168]
§ Mr. HawkinsI thank the Home Secretary for his answer. Does he recognise, despite the carping comments 653 of the Minister of State, that the facts are that in 1996 there were about 16,000 more police officers than in 1979, and about 18,400 more civilians helping them? The Conservative party had a proud record of increasing policing where police were needed. In addition to assisting my area, will the Home Secretary ensure that areas such as South Yorkshire have enough police officers in future to investigate the on-going corruption in Labour local government—for example, in Doncaster?
§ Mr. StrawThe fact that this time last year 43 representations were made against the police settlement, whereas this year there were only four, suggests that there is widespread confidence in the settlement, and widespread recognition that it was fair to the police and the communities that they serve, especially against the background of an extremely difficult public spending settlement, for which the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. and hon. Friends were principally responsible.