HC Deb 07 November 1988 vol 140 cc13-4W
Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to expand(a) the police service, (b) the probation service and (c) the prison service during the financial year 1988–89; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hurd

Estimated spending in 1988–89 is £3,800 million for the police, a £310 million increase on 1987–88, and £250 million for the probation service, a £30 million increase on 1987–88. The published estimate for the prison service is £802 million, a £27 million increase over estimated outturn for 1987–88. There is likely to be additional expenditure in the prison service arising from measures to relieve prison overcrowding; and necessary financial provision will be sought through spring Supplementary Estimates.