§ 30. Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the rise in reported crime, especially violent crime, whether he is satisfied with present establishments for police forces and recruitment thereof.
§ Mr. WhitelawOn 30 November 1982, the strength of the police service in England and Wales was 120, 708 an increase of 9,215 since May 1979. Forces remain at or very close to their authorised establishment. Force 161W establishments are kept under review by chief officers, police authorities and Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary. Police authorities are responsible for maintaining adequate and efficient police forces for their areas and for fixing the authorised establishment of forces, subject to my approval. I shall consider carefully any requests for my approval to increases in establishment for 1983–84, but I shall have to be satisfied that existing manpower is being used as effectively as possible to meet current priorities.