§ 34. Mr. Sackvilleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the level of police manpower in Greater Manchester; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe receive representations from time to time on this subject but no record has been kept of the number. The Greater Manchester police authority is responsible for determining the police establishment of the force, subject to my right hon. Friend's approval. A total of 208 additional police posts have been approved for the force since May 1979 and the existing police establishment is 6,943. The strength of the force on 30 September 1986 was 6,755, an increase of 315 since May 1979, and the force has a civilianisation programme which should release more officers to operational duties. I understand that the police authority envisages that the force will reach its full police establishment during the next financial year, 1987–88.