HC Deb 11 March 1980 vol 980 cc524-5W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police stations have been, or are about to be, either closed down, or have had their service to the public restricted to certain hours, as a result of the current reorganisation of the Metropolitan Police district.

Mr. Brittan

I understand from the Commissioner that, as a result of his recent review of local policing arrangements, and in order to make better use of police officers, four police stations have been closed and three more are to be closed; five stations have, and 19 more are to have, restricted hours of opening.

Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an estimate of the number of officers who will be released for ordinary outside duties by the current reorganisation of the Metropolitan Police district.

Mr. Britian

By 15 February, 118 sergeants and 291 constables had been released from administrative duties, and the Commissioner believes that in due course some 1,200 officers should be redeployed in this way. The pace of redeployment will depend on a number of factors, including the recruitment in some cases of civilian replacements and the provision of suitable accommodation.