§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the total numbers employed by the police forces in England and Wales in January 303W 1972, May 1979 and at the latest date for which figures are available; and what was the overall cost for each date in current and constant terms.
§ Mr. MayhewThe information available is as follows:
1 January 1 May 1979 31 December 1972 1981 Number of police officers 96,844 111,493 119,575 Number of civilian staff* 38,397 42,854 44,174 TOTAL 135,241 154,347 163,749 £ million £ million £ million Total staff costs for the relevant 278.4 1,136.7 1,672.8 financial year (1971–72) (1979–80) (estimate for 1981–82) * Including part time staff counted on a two for one basis.
Comparative figures at constant prices are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.