HC Deb 12 July 1979 vol 970 cc252-3W
Mr. Dixon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether the police force in the South Tyneside area is up to strength;

(2) how many policemen are on the beat in the South Tyneside area;

(3) what steps he proposes to take to encourage the police authority to increase the number of policemen on the beat in South Tyneside.

Mr. Whitelaw

On 30 June 1979 the Northumbria police had 10 vacancies on its establishment of 3,325. South Shields division strength is 272, of whom 180 are on ground cover duties. These levels are determined by the chief Constable having regard to all the commitments of his force. In general chief officers attach great importance to increasing the numbers directly available on the streets and in contact with the community.