§ Mr. Brandon-Bravoasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (a) what is the current establishment of the Nottinghamshire constabulary, (b) how many officers were in post effective 31 March and (c) to what circumstances or reasons he ascribes the reduction in strength; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw:The authorised establishment of the Nottinghamshire constabulary is 2,259, an increase of 114 since May 1979. The strength of the force was 2,150 on 31 March 1985. Police manpower levels fluctuate from month to month because of different recruiting and wastage patterns, seasonal changes and other local reasons. I understand that there was further recruitment to the Nottinghamshire constabulary in April 1985 and the present strength is 2,166.