§ Mrs. Renéee Short asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to increase manning in the police and probation services; if he is satisfied that there is adequate funding to achieve these levels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Whitelaw:It is for police authorities to fix the authorised establishment of police forces, subject to the approval of the Home Secretary and in the light of local needs and resources available. Since May 1979, the establishment of the police service in England and Wales has been increased by 2,328, and its strength by 7,000. Nearly all forces outside London are up to strength and the Metropolitan Police continues to recruit at an encouraging rate.
Probation and after care committees determine the number of probation officers in their areas. The Government will support levels commensurate with their policy of diverting offenders from custody within the limits of their expenditure plans, yet to be announced.