HC Deb 02 August 1978 vol 955 cc324-5W
Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of Satte for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report a list showing the annual figure by which the number of policemen in England and Wales has fallen short on quota for the last five years to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

There is no annual quota for recruitment of police officers.

Date Total authorised establishment Total police strength Vacancies Percentage deficiency
31st December 1973 113,178 100,566 12,612 11.14
31st December 1974 115,806 102,086 13,720 11.84
31st December 1975 117,176 107,138 10,038 8.56
31st December 1976 118,101 109,476 8,625 7.30
31st December 1977 118,279 108,201 10,078 8.52
30th June 1978 118,568 107,799 10,769 9.08