HC Deb 10 November 1970 vol 806 cc146-7W
Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable on the present authorised strength of the police force in the County of Nottinghamshire; by how many it is deficient in strength; on how many members will complete 25 years service in the next 12 months; on what wastage occurred in the last full year for which figures are available; and on what action he proposes to encourage members to stay and to attract new recruits.

Mr. Sharples

Against an authorised establishment of 1,766, the strength of the Nottinghamshire Combined Constabulary on 30th September was 1,726, a deficiency of 40. There are at present 21 officers in the force who have completed 25 years' service and a further 83 will do so in the period up to the end of November, 1971. For the 12 months ended 30th September, 1970, wastage from the force, excluding transfers, was 92. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Reply I gave to Questions on 29th October by the hon. Members for Kingston-upon-Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson), Dearne Valley (Mr. Edwin Wainwright) and Sunderland, South (Mr. Bagier).—[Vol. 805, c. 163–4.]

Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of members of the police service eligible to retire in the next 12 months after 25 years service; and what action he proposes to provide incentives for the retaining of their services within the police forces.

Mr. Sharples

I estimate that about 3,700 male officers of the police service in England and Wales will complete 25 years' service in 1971. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to Questions on 29th October by the hon. Members for Kingston-upon-Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson), Dearne Valley (Mr. Edwin Wainwright) and Sunderland, South (Mr. Bagier).—[Vol. 805, c.163–4.]