HC Deb 18 February 1982 vol 18 c189W
22. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent police forces personnel are now up to establishment.

Mr. Whitelaw

All forces outside London are now up to or near their authorised establishments. At the end of 1981, the strength of the Metropolitan Police was 25,075, the highest ever, but the force still has 1,500 vacancies.