§ Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the anticipated total expenditure on the police in England and Wales in each of the financial years 1985–86 and 1986–87.
§ Mr. HurdThe latest available information was given in my reply of 19 December 1985 to the right hon. Member at column273.
As I stated in my reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Cash) on 11 February, at column 392, I intend to increase the proportion of police expenditure met by central Government from 50 per cent. to 51 per cent. in 1986–87, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will be making a further £22 million of block grant available in England. These grant changes will help all police authorities provide an effective police service without placing too great a burden on the ratepayers. Decisions on individual force budgets are the responsibility of police authorities.