HC Deb 23 January 1986 vol 90 c269W
57. Mr. Nellist

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what authorisations or assurances have been given to the chief constable of the West Midlands to borrow on permanent loan plastic baton rounds from the Metropolitan police; and if he will make a statement on the expenditure involved.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Arrangements for the loan of items of equipment between forces are the responsibility of the chief officers of police concerned, in the first instance. I understand that the chief constable of the West Midlands has no plans at present to borrow plastic baton rounds from the Metropolitan police.

58. Mr. Roger King

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will increase the West Midlands county police establishment.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The West Midlands police authority is responsible for fixing the authorised establishment of the force, subject to my right hon. Friend's approval. He will be looking carefully at the manpower plans of the new West Midlands police authority, which will take over responsibility on 1 April 1986, under the Local Government Act 1985. At present the force has vacancies for both police officers and civilian staff.