§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of current applications for increased police manpower relate specifically to road traffic policing duties; and if he will make it his policy to take into account the Department of Transport's assessment of a national 5 per cent. increase in traffic during 1986 in considering such applications.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggAbout 2 per cent. of the additional police posts in current applications from provincial police authorities, which cover four financial years 1987ߝ88 to 1990ߝ91, relate specifically to road traffic policing duties. The 937 additional police posts which we have so far approved for provincial forces in England and Wales since April 1986 have been to meet a range of specific needs, including more foot patrols, drugs work, CID officers, motorway policing and airport policing. In considering applications for further increases in police establishments we take into account any requirements which the force may have for particular purposes, including additional traffic policing.