HC Deb 24 January 2000 vol 343 cc18-9W
Mr. Robathan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reports he has received on the effect of changes in national insurance contributions on police staffing levels in England in 2000–01. [105891]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The Association of Police Authorities estimated that the cost to the police service in England and Wales of changes in national insurance contributions could be around £23 million in 1999–2000. These additional costs were taken into account when police authorities set their budgets for 1999–2000. It is for chief constables to determine staffing levels within the overall resources available to them.