HC Deb 21 January 1976 vol 903 cc465-6W
Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many traffic wardens are employed currently in the Greater London area; and what were the average numbers employed in each of the last five years.

Dr. Summerskill

Figures are available only for the Metropolitan Police District, which includes some areas in the Home Counties, and for the City of London, as follows:

AVERAGE STRENGTH
Calendar year Metropolitan Police District City of London Total
1971 1,776 75 1,851
1972 2,011 77 2,088
1973 1,963 83 2,046
1974 1,831 81 1,912
1975 1,811 80 1,891

ACTUAL STRENGTH
31st December 1975 1,830 83 1,913

Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the salary bill for traffic wardens employed in the Greater London area was for the last three financial years; and what he estimates it will be in the current year.

Dr. Summerskill

Figures are available only for the Metropolitan Police District and the City of London, as follows:

Financial Year Metropolitan Police District City of London Total
£ £ £
1972–73 2,996,452 142,890 3,139,342
1973–74 3,034,954 177,516 3,212,470
1974–75 3,755,381 234,609 3,989,990
1975–76* 4,720,000 285,240 5,005,240
* Estimate.

Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has made any estimate of the administrative costs incurred in the support of traffic wardens in the Greater London area; and how much this represents per warden.

Dr. Summerskill

The administrative costs of the warden service, which include the provision of uniforms and equipment, transport, supervision and accommodation, and incidental costs, are met as part of normal police expenditure. The best estimate we can make is that in the current financial year these costs will amount to about £900,000 or about £470 per annum for each warden on strength on 31st December 1975.

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