§ Mr. Radiceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the establishment of the Durham police force on 31 March 1985; what was its actual 381W strength on that date; to what reason he ascribes the difference between the two figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe authorised establishment of the Durham constabulary is 1,357, an increase of 8 since May 1979. The strength of the force was 1,279 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. Because of budgetary decisions by the police authority, the Durham constabulary has had an increasing number of vacancies in the last two years, but I understand that there was further recruitment in April 1985, and the present strength is 1,291. The number of full-time civilian staff in the force has increased by 15 to 440 in the last year.