§ Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the establishment of the West Yorkshire police force on 31 March; what was its actual strength on that date; to what reasons he ascribes the difference between the two figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe authorised establishment of the West Yorkshire police is 5,154, an increase of 50 since May 1979. The strength of the force was 4,991 on 31 March 1985. Police manpower levels fluctuate from month to month because of different recruiting and wastage patterns, seasonal changes and other local reasons. I understand that there was further recruitment to the force in April 1985, and the present strength is 5,011. The number of full-time civilian staff in the force has increased by 51 to 1,119 since May 1979, including an additional 20 during the past year.