HC Deb 16 February 1977 vol 926 cc245-6W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask police authorities to advise him of the cuts in police cover that they estimate will result as a result of the curtailment of overtime; and if he will publish this advice or a summary thereof in the Official Report.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

No. Increases or decreases in police cover can arise from any causes, and it would not be practicable to assess separately the effects of any single factor in comparable terms for the whole of England and Wales.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from chief officers of police on the effect on police pay of the reduction in paid overtime to police officers in their respective police areas; and if he will publish this information or a summary thereof in the Official Report.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

No. The level of overtime in any force is a matter for decision by the chief officer of police, and varies with operational requirements.