HC Deb 15 December 1978 vol 960 cc509-10W
Mr. Park

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men have left the, West Midlands police force during 1977–78; and how many have been recruited in the same period.

Dr. Summerskill:

Between 1st January 1977 and 30th November 1978, 880 police officers left the West Midlands police and 989 joined. In the financial year 1977–78 the corresponding figures were 505 and 474.

Mr. Park

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the level of undermanning in the West Midlands police force at the latest convenient date.

Dr. Summerskill:

On 30th November 1978 there were 618 vacancies on the authorised establishment of 6,509, a deficiency of 9.49 per cent.