§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the latest trends in police recruiting.
§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will 134W make a statement on the present strength of police forces in the country indicating whether he is satisfied with the position, and, if not, what steps he is proposing to assist authorities to improve it.
§ Mr. CarlisleMy right hon. Friend and I shall not be satisfied with the position until all forces in England and Wales have attained their authorised establishments, which total 112,500. On 31st August 1973 the strength of the service was just over 100,400, the highest ever. Recruitment in the first eight months of 1973 totalled 4,300, compared with 5,000 in the same period in 1972. The national recruiting campaign is continuing at a high level and chief officers of police are continuing, and where necessary expanding, their local campaigns.