§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now approve the request of the chief constable of Leicestershire for more police officers.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe police authority wrote on 8 September notifying us of a revised application for 89 police posts subject to the county council's decision on the availability of finance. This will be considered along with applications which have been received from other authorities for increases in 1989–90.
My right hon. Friend is able to approve 800 police posts for provincial forces in 1989–90. This is an increase on the 500 which were available for this financial year. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary will offer advice on how the available posts should be allocated. The aim is to announce decisions in December.