§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the policy of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners in employing temporary policemen who attract a special security grant from the Government rather than employing a larger number of full-time police; and what is the cost of this to the taxpayer.
§ Mr. ConcannonAn existing agreement provides that the cost of employing up to 40 constables out of a total complement of 102 will be borne either in full or in part by the Department of Commerce. I am satisfied that this arrangement is justified in the light of the overriding importance of harbour security to the community as a whole. The cost of this arrangement is estimated to be £130,000 in a full year.