§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the current funding of the Merseyside police authority. [6169]
§ Mr. MacleanThe Government's proposals give Merseyside police authority a total spending power of £235 million in 1997–98, an increase of £8.3 million or 3.7 per cent. over 1996–97. The increase includes £1.1 million in additional grant as Merseyside's share of funding for the recruitment of additional police officers. It would be sufficient to recruit 55 more officers in 1997–98. It is for the chief constable to decide how to allocate his resources.