HC Deb 08 July 1996 vol 281 cc32-3W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the current policy on overtime in the Metropolitan police service. [35259]

Mr. Maclean

The Commissioner informs me that it is his policy that overtime is not worked unless it is operationally necessary, and that officers are compensated in accordance with the provisions of the police regulations.

Mr. Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the current funding level of the Metropolitan police service; and if he will list the areas of budget reductions in respect of the Metropolitan police in the current year. [35260]

Mr. Maclean

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 June to my hon. Friend the Member for Fulham (Mr. Carrington),Official Report, columns 702–03; it is for the commissioner to decide how the budget that my right hon. and learned Friend has approved, which includes a 2 per cent. increase with a further 1 per cent. in reserve, may best be allocated across the Metropolitan police. The Metropolitan police estimates for 1996–97 will be published as a command paper later this financial year.