§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the present establishment in the Metropolitan police force is made up of traffic police, criminal investigation department, police on the beat and police dealing with administrative duties; and if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall as to that force's comparable percentage.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI shall reply as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has given to the request from the west midlands police authority for 1,000 extra officers over the next three years and an extra £4 million.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe maximum precept for the authority for 1987–88 will be derived from a formula provided in the Local Government Finance Bill. I met a delegation from the authority on 16 February. The delegation was told that in the Government's view there was no strong case for the maximum precept to be increased. It asked that consideration should be given to an increase of 100 in its authorised police establishment and this request will be considered.