§ Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces in the country are of full strength; how many are undermanned; and what steps are being taken to recruit and retain sufficient men to maintain the strength required.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeOne police force in England and Wales is at full strength; 62 have vacancies representing less than 5 per cent. of the authorised establishments, 35 have vacancies of between 5 and 10 per cent., 17 have vacancies of between 10 and 15 per cent. and 11 have vacancies of over 15 per cent. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Shields (Mr. Ede) on 3rd March last.