§ Mrs Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentages of officers in the Special Patrol Group have been in it for more than four years at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with the percentages for the same time for each of the past four years.
§ Mr. WhitelawFor the years 1978–81 the information requested is as follows. Information for 1977 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
82W
Percentages of officers (all ranks) with more than 4 years' service in the Special Patrol Group 1 June 1981 31 December 1980 31 December 1979 31 December 1978 Chief Superintendent 0 0 0 0 Superintendent 0 0 0 0 Chief Inspector 0 0 *— *— Inspector 0 0 0 0 Sergeant 22½ 34½ 39 61 Constable 30½ 35½ 50 49 * There were no chief inspectors in the SPG before 1980.
§ Mrs Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) inspectors, (b) sergeants and (c) officers there are at present in the Special Patrol Group; and how this compares with figures for each of the previous four years.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe information is as follows:
Operational strength of Special Patrol Group (Inspectors, Sergeants and Constables) Inspector Sergeant Constable 1 June 1981 *13 30 219 31 December 1980 *13 26 209 31 December 1979 8 18 165 31 December 1978 8 18 176 31 December 1977 8 18 174 * Includes two inspectors held over strength whilst attending the Police Staff College.
§ Mrs Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Sproat) on 10 March 1980, Official Report, columns 395–96, if he is satisfied with the changes that were made in the Special Patrol Group following the internal review by Deputy Commissioner Kavanagh and the Blair Peach inquest recommendations; what further changes are planned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawI remain satisfied with the changes which I announced on 10 March 1980.—[Vol. 1000, c. 395–96.] Those for decentralisation and an increase in supervisory ranks have been implemented and substantial progress has been made towards limiting the length of service of members of the group. No further changes are planned.