§ 121. Mr. Andrew HargreavesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are now employed in regional crime squad drugs wings.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThere were 232 officers on the strength of regional crime squads drugs wings on 16 January. In No. 9 region, which covers the Metropolitan police district, drugs investigation is not undertaken by the regional squad but by the Metropolitan police central drugs squad. Its strength on 16 January was 110.
My right hon. and learned Friend announced on 23 November at columns 12–13 that he is prepared to approve a further 51 police posts for regional crime squads specifically for their work in connection with drugs.