§ Mr. Dewarasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has plans for the expansion of the authorised police establishment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindIt is for police authorities in the first instance to determine what level of police manpower is required for the effective policing of their areas. Already this year I have approved applications involving a net increase of 99 posts in the authorised police establishment. No other applications for increases in authorised establishments are currently before me, though I am aware that manpower reviews are being conducted in some Scottish forces. I am ready to consider further modest increases in police manpower to meet proven needs.