HC Deb 29 November 1979 vol 974 cc721-2W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are presently assigned to the special branch.

Mr. Whitelaw

There is no national special branch. The complement of the Metropolitan Police Special Branch is 409. The special branches of other forces in England and Wales comprise about 850 officers, including some 300 employed at the ports.

Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been allocated for use by the special branch in the next four financial years.

Mr. Whitelaw

Since there is no national special branch, the information requested is not available centrally.