HC Deb 15 December 1988 vol 143 c701W
16. Mr. Stern

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police forces are unable to recruit to their permitted establishement at the present time; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

All forces in England and Wales are at, or very close to, their authorised establishment, although force strengths fluctuate in the light of recruitment and wastage patterns. Only four forces were more than 2 per cent. below establishment on 31 August: these were Bedfordshire 2.62 per cent. below establishment; Northants 2.35 per cent.; Cheshire 2.15 per cent.; and Avon and Somerset 2.07 per cent.

75. Mr. Rathbone

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet ready to announce increases in police establishments for police forces.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to announce increases in police establishments for 1989–90. He will do so as soon as possible.