§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police posts have been privatised or individualised in the last five years in each of the following areas(a) England and Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland, (d) the west midlands and (e) H division, Walsall.
§ Mr. MacleanNo police posts have been privatised in England and Wales, but as a consequence of contracting out of the court escort function there is to be a phased reduction of 271 officers in the Metropolitan police from October 1994 to March 1995.
The position in Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.