§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were recruited by South Wales police constabulary between 1975 and 1980 and 1980 and 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe information is as follows:
South Wales Constabulary Year Number of Police Officers Recruited Strength on 31st December 1975 250 2,962 1976 210 2,982 1977 113 2,872 1978 170 2,886 1979 213 3,025 1980 126 3,068 Total 1,082 1980 126 3,068 1981 101 3,082 1982 133 3,096 1983 87 3,082 1984 123 3,106 1985 95 3,064 Total 665 Some police vacancies have been held in south Wales during the past year, but the force continues to recruit to replace wastage. I understand that finance is available in the current financial year to enable the force to fill its existing vacancies, and arrangements are in hand for it to do so as soon as possible.