HC Deb 26 November 1985 vol 87 cc526-7W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the actual and establishment level of police in Scotland; and how the figures compare with 1979.

Mr. John MacKay

The information is set out in the following table:

Police establishment and strength: Scotland
Year Authorised establishment at 30 September Actual strength at 30 September
1979 13,276 13,023
1985 13,465 13,273

The figures include officers who are employed at ports, airports and oil-related industrial sites and whose costs are not borne entirely by police authorities. Also included are officers on national training courses and those seconded to central service posts.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give actual and establishment level figures for police based in the Strathclyde police authority area from 1979 to date; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John MacKay

The information is set out in the following table:

Strathclyde police
Year Authorised police establishment at 30 September Actual strength at 30 September
1979 6,977 6,785
1980 6,955 6,936
1981 6,955 6,832
1982 6,954 6,811
1983 6,954 6,781
1984 6,954 6,785
1985 6,954 6,790

Manning levels in the force are determined by the police authority within the establishment figure authorised by my right hon. Friend.