HC Deb 27 July 1972 vol 841 cc356-7W
41. Sir H. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used to determine the authorised establishment of police forces.

Mr. Carlisle

The nature, extent and population of the area; the incidence of crime; the density of traffic; and any special problems of policing.

Sir H. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable as to when he expects, on present trends, that the shortfall on the authorised establishment of the Suffolk Constabulary will be eliminated.

Mr. Carlisle

At the end of last month there were vacancies for 21 men and three women. The chief constable expects to fill these within the next few months. A few days ago my right hon. Friend approved an increase in the authorised establishment and agreed in principle to further increases in each of the next three years. The chief constable hopes to be able to recruit enough men and women to fill the resultant vacancies in the course of the year in which they are approved.