§ Mrs. Maureeen HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many extra police posts were authorised for West Midlands police between(a) 1974 and (b) 1979 to date.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe West Midlands police was created in its present form in April 1974 following local government reorganisation. Between April 1974 and April 1979 the establishment of the West Midlands police was increased by 38. Since this Government took office in May 1979 the establishment of the force has increased by 384 and my right hon. Friend has recently approved a further 48 posts with effect from 1 October 1991.