§ 12. Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the most recent request for increased police numbers from the Devon and Cornwall constabulary.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe police authority applied in September 1986 for 137 posts to be recruited over three years. Seventeen posts were approved with effect from 1 January 1987, 20 with effect from 1 April 1987, and eight with effect from 1 January 1988. My right hon. Friend announced on 18 May a further 25 posts with effect from 1 June. The police authority has been informed that consideration will be given to the remaining posts when my right hon. Friend takes decisions on the next tranche of posts available under the programme announced in May 1986.