§ Mr. Hoggasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent limitations on police recruitment have been or will be imposed as the result of the recent reductions in Government spending.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe aim is that total police strengths should grow by an additional 1,200 men in the period up to 31st March, 1969. The number of men required will be affected by the continued growth of mobile beat policing schemes which will cover about 80 per cent. of the population of England and Wales by the end of this year. The introduction of these schemes will not be interrupted or deferred.
Mobile beat policing increases efficiency and is economical in the use of manpower; an examination is being made to improve methods of measuring the numbers required for different police purposes. Meantime the proposed increase of 1,200 will be so distributed that forces which are most below their establishment will be able to recruit more men than the stronger forces. In addition, recruitment of men to replace wastage will, of course, continue in all forces.