Lord Inglewoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the value of the Home Office Circular on Manpower, Effectiveness and Efficiency in the Police Service (No. 114/1983, dated 30th November 1983), when there is no mention of the Special Constabulary; and whether they will repair this omission when giving due attention to the cost effectiveness of the Special Constabulary compared with other branches of the police service.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)The circular is concerned with the efficient and effective use of all police resources. My right honourable and learned friend attaches great importance to the contribution which the Special Constabulary makes to policing, and has asked HM Inspectors of Constabulary to pay particular attention to the efforts which forces are making to recruit special constables and the range of duties on which they are deployed.