§ Mr. Hawkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the large increase in crime, particularly crimes of violence, whether he will put in hand immediately a police recruiting drive aimed at bringing all forces up to strength and then increasing them by 25 per cent.
§ Sir F. SoskiceI am reviewing this matter at the present time, but police needs and deficiencies vary considerably 113W in different parts of the country, and I could not accept that a uniform percentage increase in establishments would be appropriate.
As part of the measures taken to improve police recruitment, to which I attach high priority, special attention is being paid to the needs of areas where there is the greatest shortage of manpower, and I am at present reviewing recruitment plans for the next financial year.