§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with Essex police numbers, bearing in mind the dualling of the Al3 and the completion of the M25 with their consequent demands on the police force; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdIt is the responsibility of the police authority to maintain an adequate and efficient police force for its area, and to fix the establishment, subject to the approval of my right hon. and learned Friend. Police force establishments are kept under review by chief officers, police authorities and Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary.
Ten additional posts were approved for the Essex police in August 1983 for the financial year 1983–84, bringing the establishment of the force to 2,653. A total of 128 additional posts have been approved since May 1979. We will consider carefully, in the light of advice from Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, any further application which the police authority may make.