§ Mr. Sackvilleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the current strength of the police drug squad.
§ Mr. Giles ShawOn 31 December 1983, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of officers serving in specialist force drug squads in England and Wales was 554. At that time 41 of the 43 forces have had special drug units but since 1 November 1984 all 43 forces have had special drug units but since 1 November 1984 all 43 forces have had such units and the current strength may therefore be higher. My hon. Friend may have in mind the strength of the drug squad in Greater Manchester police: this is currently 21 officers.