§ Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the numbers of police on Merseyside; whether they are up to strength; if not, how many vacancies are unfilled; and what steps are being taken to ensure that the Merseyside police are fully up to strength.
§ Dr. Summerskill4,238, with 213 vacancies at 31st December 1977. The chief constable intends to continue vigorous recruitment measures and will have the support of the national recruiting campaign run by the Home Office. In addition, the force intends to take on 60 police cadets this year.