§ Mr. Simon Mahonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable as to what is the authorised strength of the Liverpool and Bootle police force ; what is the present strength ; what steps are being taken to attract a full complement of police ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SharplesThe authorised strength is 2,564. On 30th June, 1971, 2,062. Since 1969 the police authority has made an annual allocation of £8,000 for recruitment publicity and in 1970–71 this was assisted by a special subvention from central funds. The Chief Constable has organised a number of activities designed to arouse interest in the police service including "evening patrols" in which potential recruits are invited to an evening tour of inspection of the work of the force. In the past 12 months the strength of the force has increased by 56.