HC Deb 15 July 1992 vol 211 c710W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet representatives of Strathclyde regional council to discuss the impact of funding contraints on police services; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 8 July 1992]: My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. The Government pay specific grant on all net expenditure by police authorities. Responsibility for the provision of sufficient funds to allow Strathclyde police to staff up to their fully authorised establishment level rests with Strathclyde regional council. I welcome the decision recently taken by the council to reduce the existing shortfall in the number of police officers in Strathclyde.