§ 48. Mr. Wattsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce his decision on the application from Thames Valley police for an increase in establishment.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Thames Valley police authority has been informed that, as a first step, my right hon. Friend is prepared to approve an increase of 50 police posts in the authorised establishment of the force for the financial year 1986–87, on the understanding that the police authority agrees to find its share of the necessary finance for these posts and its proposed civilianisation programme. He has also approved the police authority's application for 14 supernumerary posts for specific operational purposes.
§ Mr. Andrew MacKayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police manning levels in the Thames Valley force.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw[pursuant to his reply, 21 January 1986, c. 168]: There were 3,292 police officers and 1,183 civilian staff in the Thames Valley police on 30 November 1985. This is an increase of 852 (639 police officers and 213 civilians) since May 1979. A total of 320 additional police posts have been approved for the Thames Valley police since May 1979; the present police establishment of the force is 3,317. The police authority has been informed that, as a first step, my right hon. Friend is prepared to approve a further increase of 50 police posts for the financial year 1986–87 and 14 supernumerary posts for specific operational purposes.