§ Mr. Macleanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the establishment of the Cumbria police force on 31 March; what was the actual strength on the same date; to what factors he attributes the difference between the two figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe authorised establishment of the Cumbria constabulary is 1,128, an increase of 40 since May 1979. The strength of the force was 1,092 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 force in April 1985, and the present strength is 1,101. The number of full-time civilian staff in the force has increased by 42 to 260 since May 1979, including an additional 16 during the past year.