§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) why on 31st December 1977 the West Yorkshire constabulary was 485 men, that is to say, 9.56 per cent. below its authorised establishment;
(2) why, on 31st December 1977, the Thames Valley constabulary was 309 men, that is to say 10.31 per cent. below its establishment;
(3) why, on 31st December 1977, the strength of the West Midlands police force was 765 men, that is to say 11.75 per cent. below its authorised establishment;
(4) why, on 31st December 1977, the Derbyshire constabulary was 220 men, that is to say 12.87 per cent. below the authorised establishment;
(5) why on 31st December 1977, the South Yorkshire constabulary was 265 men, that is to say 9.62 per cent. below its authorised establishment;
(6) why, as at 1st December, the City of London police were 192 men, that is to say 18.75 per cent., below establishment;
(7) why, as at 1st December, the Metropolitan Police department was 4,616 men, that is to say 17.33 per cent., below its establishment.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI am well aware that there have been persistent high deficiencies in some areas, notably London, the West Midlands and South and West Yorkshire. An increase in authorised establishment can cause an immediate increase in the deficiency, as in the case of Derbyshire, but the main factor is the local balance between recruitment and wastage. This is influenced not only by pay and conditions of service applying 117W nationally but also by local circumstances, including the employment situation in the area and working conditions in the force.