HC Deb 12 June 1973 vol 857 cc302-3W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to resolve the manpower difficulties of police forces with severe problems of undermanning; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carlisle

Chief officers, on whom responsibility for recruitment efforts, aided by the Home Office. Both they and my right hon. Friend and I are concerned to prevent unnecessary losses of trained men, and are doing all that is practicable to remove identifiable causes of wastage as well as to maintain recruitment at a high level.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up a departmental committee of inquiry into the whole question of police establishments; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carlisle

I informed that hon. Member in reply to a Question o 9th June 1972 that there were no recommendations before us for the payment of an undermanning allowance to members of these two forces.—[Vol. 838, c.171.]—Since then there has been a net increase in the strength of eacy force. In the increase over the 12 months up to 30th April 1973 was 33 and in Manchester and Salford the increase was 82.

Mr. Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up a departmental committee of inquiry into the whole question of police establishment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Carlisle

The arrangements for regular and comprehensive reviews of police establishments were introduced as recently as December 1971 after detailed consultation with the Police Advisory Board. My right hon. Friend sees no need for a committee of inquiry at present, but he will be glad to consider any specific representations that are made to him.