HC Deb 06 July 1989 vol 156 cc253-4W
Q167. Mr. John Browne

To ask the Prime Minister if she has received representations regarding the police force.

The Prime Minister

I have received a number of representations.

At the end of March this year, police strength in England and Wales stood at 125,631. This is a record and represents some 14,100 more officers than when the Government first took office. Expenditure on the police is up by almost 55 per cent. in real terms. We shall continue to regard the police as a priority.