§ 21. Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to discuss with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and chief constables methods of increasing the amount of police time spent (a) on foot patrol and (b) in the direct investigation of crime.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Commissioner's strategy report for 1986, which my right hon. Friend has discussed with him, made clear his determination to increase the number of officers on street duty and the amount of police time spent on the investigation of crime, and set out the initiatives which he is pursuing to this end. As to provincial forces, Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary regularly discuss these matters with chief officers. I expect that the manpower increases which my right hon. Friend announced on 20 May will lead to a steady increase in the number of officers on foot patrol.