§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provision is made for the budget of the British Transport police in the current financial year and in each of the next three financial years; and if he will make a statement. [2885]
§ Mr. WattsThe British Transport police's budget is determined by its police committee. In 1995–96, the BTP revenue budget is £101.2 million and the force will also undertake capital expenditure of some £2.4 million. The revenue budget for 1996–97 has been set at £101.2 million, and it is envisaged that the capital expenditure next year will be the same as this year. No decisions have yet been made on budgets for subsequent years.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department has had further discussions with the Home Office about the jurisdiction of the British Transport police; what was discussed; and what was the outcome. [2886]
§ Mr. WattsDiscussions are continuing between my Department and the Home Office about the jurisdiction of the British Transport police. The Department remains in close touch with the force's senior management over developments.
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§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current manpower of the British Transport police by rank; what it is forecast to be in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [2888]
§ Mr. WattsThe strength of the British Transport police was 2,180 officers as at 11 November 1995. Staffing levels by rank were as follows:
Rank Numbers Chief constable 1 Deputy chief constable 1 Assistant chief constable 3 Superintendents 21 Chief inspectors 30 Inspectors 127 Sergeants 303 Constables 1,694 Total 2,180 Manpower levels in future will reflect the resources available to the force. The force is currently rationalising the supervisory ranks and, where possible, increasing constable posts.