§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision he has made on the request by the Bedfordshire police authority to increase its establishment by three sergeants and 30 constables in the year 1981–82.
§ Mr. MayhewWe have informed the Bedfordshire police authority that we are prepared to approve an increase of 15 posts.
§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government will make additional funds available to the Bedfordshire police force to bring its numbers up to 1,158 as recommended by the Chief Constable in his annual report for 1980.
§ Mr. MayhewThe authorised establishment of a force is fixed by the police authority, subject to the Home Secretary's approval. No request has been received from the Bedfordshire police authority to increase the force establishment to 1,158. Police grant at the rate of 50 per cent. is payable for expenditure incurred by the police authorities on approved establishment.