§ Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish the current strength and establishment of the special constabulary.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe strength of the special constabulary in England and Wales was 23,011 on 31st December 1975, the latest date for which information is readily available. There is no establishment that is approved centrally, and it is for the chief officers of police to decide, in consultation with the police authority, how many special constables they can usefully train and employ.
§ Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will list the duties for which members of the special constabulary are employed.
§ Dr. SummerskillDuties are decided by chief officers of police and vary to some extent from one force to another, but in England and Wales they com-
Applied (graduates or undergraduates) Offered Places Joined (as graduates) 1972 … … … … … 248 26 24 1973 … … … … … 288 18 16 1974 … … … … … 210 18 12 1975 … … … … … 239 22 18 1976 … … … … … 473 20 * * Figures not yet available. Up to 25 places a year are normally available under the graduate entry scheme.
service.
§ Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many policemen have successfully
246Wmonly include patrolling—usually in the company of a regular officer—traffic control, attendance at outdoor ceremonial and sporting events, and assistance to the regular force in emergencies or on other special occasions.