§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost of the supernumerary posts approved for the Thames Valley police for 1993–94; and how this cost will be met.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe cost of supernumerary police posts in the Thames Valley police is estimated by the force at £1.7 million for 1993–94. These posts will be funded in the usual way from specific grant paid by the Home Office and through the local authority funding mechanism.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the number of supernumerary posts allocated to each police force in England and Wales in each of the last five years, for the current year and for 1993–94 and the period for which they were allocated in each case;
(2) if he will list (a) the established number of posts of police officers and (b) the supernumerary posts he intends to permit in respect of each police force in England and Wales for (i) 1992 and (ii) 1993.
6W
§ Mr. Charles WardleI shall arrange for a written reply to be sent to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the criteria on which he bases his judgment as to whether any police force should be allowed to carry any supernumerary posts.
§ Mr. Charles WardleApplications for sumpernumerary police posts are considered, with the advice of Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary, against the following criteria:—
- (i) whether the posts are affordable within the Department's provision for Police Grant for the financial year in question;
- (ii) whether they reflect Home Office policy objectives and initiatives:
- (iii) whether they meet a temporary need.
All such posts are subject to review at regular intervals.
§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what costs will be met directly by his Department in respect of supernumerary posts for each police authority in England and Wales for 1993–94; and what percentage of the total costs this represents.
§ Mr. Charles WardleSpecific grant at the usual rate of 51 per cent. is payable on these posts.