HC Deb 23 January 1997 vol 288 cc1062-3
5. Sir Michael Shersby

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on current manning levels and prospects for recruitment during 1997–98; and if he will make a statement. [10552]

Mr. Howard

I regularly discuss with the Commissioner staffing levels and prospects for recruitment in the Metropolitan police. He assures me that the proposed settlement for the Metropolitan police for 1997–98 would enable him to increase officer strength to 27,400 during 1997.

Sir Michael Shersby

Despite the very welcome drop in crime of about 13 per cent. in the Metropolitan police area as a whole, is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that there is concern in the outer London boroughs—particularly in south-west area No. 5, which includes my constituency—about proposed changes in manpower? Is he further aware that the need for effective policing means that there is a need to maintain those manpower levels? Will he therefore review the impact of the national funding formula arrangements on the Metropolitan police and provide an appropriate mechanism to ensure that the special needs of the Metropolitan police area are taken fully into account and that manpower continues to be maintained at a high level?

Mr. Howard

I have, indeed, undertaken to review the application of the national funding formula to the Metropolitan police and the arrangements that we have made for the funding of the Metropolitan police include a recognition of the special needs of the Metropolitan police force. Indeed, the funding that we propose for 1997–98 represents a 3.4 per cent. increase on the 1996–97 allocation—an increase of no less than £55 million.

Mr. Alex Carlile

Will the Home Secretary explain how he reconciles with his declared policy on the effectiveness of police officers a reduction of 755 Metropolitan police officers in the past four years and a reduction nationwide of about 1,000 police officers over the past four years? Those are Home Office figures.

Mr. Howard

The truth of the matter is that the September 1996 figures showed that there were more than 98,000 police constables in England and Wales, which is more than there have ever been before. The public are interested in seeing police officers on the street on patrol duty helping to create a safer Britain. That is exactly what is happening.

Mr. Congdon

I very much welcome the fact that there are 5,000 extra police officers in the Metropolitan police area compared with 1979. When my right hon. and learned Friend quite properly reviews the national funding formula, will he take particular account of the impact on outer London?

Mr. Howard

I understand my hon. Friend's point. The internal allocation of funding and officers within the Metropolitan police area is an operational matter for the Commissioner, but I am sure that all relevant matters will be taken into account in the review.