§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will allocate additional funds to the North Wales constabulary to enable the Police Authority to avoid rural station closures and to enhance existing rural provision, bearing in mind the financial difficulties of the Clwyd and Gwynedd county councils; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIt is for the North Wales police authority to decide what resources should be made available to its force. The Home Office meets 51 per cent. of whatever the authority spends on the police, and block grant from the Welsh Office makes a further contribution from central Government funds. I understand from the chief constable that the police authority has agreed to provide finance to recruit up to its full police establishment of 1,316 by the end of this financial year.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will visit the headquarters of the North Wales constabulary to discuss with the North Wales Police Authority policing and police strengths; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggMy right hon. Friend hopes to include a visit to the headquarters of the North Wales constabulary in his programme of engagements for the coming year.
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§ Mr. John PattenThe information requested is as follows: