§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to increase police manpower in Dorset; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIt is the responsibility of the Dorset police authority to determine the authorised establishment of the force, subject to my right hon. Friend's approval. Sixty-two additional police posts have been approved for the force since May 1979, bringing the authorised establishment up to 1,226. We are now considering an application for a further increase and hope to announce the outcome shortly.