HC Deb 13 April 1972 vol 834 cc213-4W
Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his present proposals are for the amalgamation of existing police forces to correspond with the new boundaries under the Local Government Bill; and which forces will be affected.

Mr. Carlisle

When the Local Government Bill comes into operation, police areas in England and Wales will be reorganised in accordance with the new county areas. Some of the existing police areas will remain unchanged; comparatively minor boundary changes will be made to others, while others again will be more substantially affected. I am writing to the hon. Member to describe the effects of the reorganisation on individual forces.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amalgamate the proposed Lancashire county police force with the proposed forces for Merseyside and greater Manchester.

Mr. Carlisle

No. So far as possible, each new county should have its own police force. Some amalgamations will be necessary, but there are no grounds on which my right hon. Friend would be justified in proposing the combination for police purposes of the new counties of Lancashire, Merseyside and greater Manchester.