HC Deb 26 April 1967 vol 745 cc310-1W
Dr. Winstanley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the numbers by which the fire service and the police force are at present below establishment in corresponding grades in each service, respectively.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The latest information available in respect of whole-time male members of the fire service in England and Wales is for 31st December, 1966. The figures are:

Establishment Strength Deficiency
Chief Officer 131 131
Assistant Chief Officer 62 62
Divisional Officer Grade 1 109 108 1
Divisional Officer Grade 2 124 134 +10
Divisional Officer Grade 3 218 209 9
Assistant Divisional Officer 492 480 12
Station Officer 1,908 1,721 187
Sub-Officer 2,588 2,396 192
Leading Fireman 2,613 2,543 70
Fireman 19,242 16,332 2,910
Total 27,487 24,116 3,371

No central statistics are maintained showing the shortage of police in each rank in England and Wales. The establishment of male officers on 31st December, 1966, was 100,529; the strength was 83,736. The deficiency was therefore 16,793.