§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to increase police forces in England and Wales, by at least 10,000, over the next two years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawTotal manpower, police and civilian, in England and Wales has increased by about 14,000 since May 1979, to 160,627 on 28 February 1986, including a increase of more than 9,000 police officers.
In October 1985 my right hon. Friend set work in hand to assess where there are further needs for increases in manpower. These reviews have been completed, and he is now urgently considering their outcome.