§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about trends in Metropolitan police manpower since 1979.
§ Mr. Peter LloydSince 1979 the trend in Metropolitan police manpower has been steadily upwards. At the end of August 1989 the strength of the force was 28,240–25 per cent. higher than at the end of 1979. In addition, there are now some 1,300 more civil staff supporting the Metropolitan police than there were at the end of 1979; and civilianisation has released more than 300 police officers for operational duty over the last three years, and is expected to release a further 200 in 1989–90. This steady increase in manpower reflects our sustained commitment to building up the strength and efficiency of the police.