§ 18. Dr. Vincent Cable (Twickenham)What plans he has to provide additional resources to the Metropolitan police. [53526]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Kate Hoey)No final decisions have been taken about the allocation of funding to the Metropolitan police or other forces for 1999–2000. We expect to announce provisional allocations towards the end of this year.
§ Dr. CableWill the Minister acknowledge that there are extreme recruitment difficulties in the Metropolitan police, in large part because, on current salaries, young police officers simply cannot afford to pay the cost of housing? Will she explain what response she has given to the approaches of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to deal specifically with that problem?
§ Kate HoeyThat particular problem is always under consideration and will be examined very carefully when we consider the settlement for the coming year.
§ Mr. Crispin Blunt (Reigate)Following the very welcome proposal and initiative to align the Metropolitan police boundaries with those of the Greater London Authority, what formula does the Minister expect to use to govern the transfer of resources from the Metropolitan police to the constabularies—including Surrey's—that will be affected? Will the formula be made public after it is determined by the Government?
§ Kate HoeyThat matter, too, is being considered very carefully. The boundary changes will lead to some 20 redistribution of resources, and the matter is being examined carefully and discussed with all the affected police forces. Allocation of police grant will be based on a formula reflecting the relative policing needs of different areas.