§ 56. Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will bring forward proposals to further increase the establishment of the West Midlands police.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe West Midlands police authority has applied for an increase of 350 police posts in the force establishment in 1990–91. This will be considered, together with applications from other authorities, with advice from Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary. The aim is to announce increases towards the end of 1989.
My right hon. Friend has recently approved, as a permanent establishment increase, 14 police posts previously held supernumerary to establishment for duties at Birmingham airport. The costs are met by the airport authorities.