HC Deb 23 October 1986 vol 102 cc961-3W
Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers transferred from the Metropolitan police to other forces in each of the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985;

(2) how many police officers transferred to the Metropolitan police from other police forces in England and Wales in the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the information on transfers to the Metropolitan police from other forces in England and Wales is not immediately

Mr. Mellor

None.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) non-white and (b) white people were sent to a mental institution on conviction of an offence in the years from 1980 to 1985.

Mr. Mellor

The number of hospital orders made by courts following conviction of an offence is given in the table. No information is available as to the ethnic origin of the persons concerned.

(2) how many (a) non-white and (b) white people were transferred to mental institutions while serving prison sentences in the years 1980 to 1985.

Mr. Mellor

The number of persons transferred from prison to hospital under mental health legislation is given in the table. No information is available as to ethnic origin.

available. But transfers of police officers to and from the Metropolitan police involving other police forces, including Scottish forces and the Royal Ulster Constabulary, for the years 1980 to 1985 are as follows:

Year Transfers to the Metropolitan police Transfers from the Metropolitan police
1980 83 78
1981 73 38
1982 107 48
1983 56 57
1984 44 85
1985 25 113

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers in the Metropolitan police force of the rank (a) inspector, (b) sergeant arid (c) constable resigned from the Metropolitan police in the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The information is not readily available in the form requested. I shall publish it in theOfficial Report as soon as possible.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers in the Metropolitan police force retired after (a) 25 years' service, (b) 30 years' service and (c) in excess of 30 years' service in each of the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the information readily available is as follows:

Year 25 years service 26–29 years service 30 and over years service
1980 179 180 187
1981 140 131 165
1982 109 174 202
1983 102 158 226
1984 94 176 310
1985 76 240 364

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the permitted daily mileage per shift in the Metropolitan police force for (a) road patrol vehicles, (b) station inspectors, (c) crime cars and (d) criminal investigation department vehicles.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that, though he has set a limit on total weekly mileage, there are at present no limits on mileage for specific types of vehicle or for shifts.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in respect of the total strength of the Metropolitan police force; and what steps he proposes to take in respect of those representations.

Mr. Hurd

I have discussed Metropolitan police manpower with the Commissioner on a number of occasions, and I have received representations from right hon. and hon. Members and others. Following a review to assess the manpower needs of the force, I announced on 20 May that it was to receive increases of up to 1,200 in the police establishment and 600 in the civil staff ceiling over the next four years. As the first stage of this programme I have approved increases of 300 in the police establishment and 107 in the civil staff ceiling for 1986–87, in addition to the increase of 50 in the establishment specifically for drugs work which I approved last October, and the increase of 43 in the ceiling approved by my predecessor last year.

The Metropolitan police are now recruiting to fill the gap of about 600 between present strength and the increased establishment which I have authorised.