§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by how much the Merseyside Police and the Knowsley Division is under strength; and what steps are being taken to increase the number of recruits.
424W
§ Dr. SummerskillOn 30th April the Merseyside Police was 220 below the authorised establishment of 4,342 and K Division, which covers Knowsley, was seven below the establishment of 319. I understand that the Chief Constable is pursuing a vigorous programme for local recruitment, which is supported by the national publicity campaign. The deficiency has been halved during the past 12 months.