§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his policy on policing in rural areas. [134995]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeOur policy is to ensure that all areas of the country, urban and rural, benefit from a modern, effective and responsive police service and we are increasing funding for rural forces to take account of the additional costs associated with policing rural areas. The police funding formula includes a sparsity element which directly benefits rural forces and an extra £15 million from the Police Modernisation Fund has been allocated this year to 31 forces covering rural areas. This rises to £30 million from 2001–02. The forces concerned will be required to demonstrate real improvements in the policing of rural areas in return for the extra money.