§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the number of applicants coming forward in the police service for selection and training in high command posts; to what reason he ascribes the fall in recent years in both the numbers and qualifications of senior officers offering themselves for such appointments; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the number of such posts which require to be filled each year is matched by suitably trained applicants from within the police service.
§ Mr. HurdThe number of suitably qualified candidates for posts of assistant chief constable and above is generally sufficient to provide police authorities with an adequate choice. In recent years, applications for senior command training have been running at a higher rate than previously, although 1983 was a disappointing year. More applicants for senior posts and courses would certainly be desirable. The many factors underlying the present position were explored earlier this year at a conference between the Home Office and chief constables, and a number of proposals were made which are being closely examined.