HC Deb 22 January 1997 vol 288 cc598-9W
Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the increase in police numbers in England and Wales in 1996–97; and if he will make a statement. [12540]

Mr. Maclean

It is for chief constables to decide on the allocation of their resources and the recruitment of officers. On the basis of estimates, chief constables have said that they expect police numbers to increase by around 1,000 in England and Wales in the 12 months ending March 1997. This would deliver a total of about 128,000 officers.

Mr. Merchant

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the numbers of police officers released for operational duties in England and Wales in 1996–97 following civilianisation. [12585]

Mr. Maclean

Chief constables have estimated that between 1 April 1996 and 31 March 1997 an additional 1,151 police officer posts will have been civilianised, enabling those officers to be released for operational duties.