§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the number of police constables in(a) the West Mercia Constabulary and (b) the Shrewsbury Division; and if he will make a statement. [36757]
§ Mr. MichaelMinisters have no direct control over police numbers or their deployment. Under legislation passed by the previous Government in 1994, it is for individual chief constables to determine the number of police officers in their force, within the total resources available to them. For 1998–99, West Mercia Constabulary will be able to increase its spending by £4.1 million, or 3.8 per cent. giving it a total spending power of £112.2 million.
545WThe West Mercia Constabulary had 2,031 officers in September 1997—three fewer than in March 1992.
I understand from the Chief Constable that the Shrewsbury Division had 305 officers in March 1998— two more than 12 months ago. Included in this total are 239 constables—one more than 12 months ago. The Chief Constable has no immediate plans to change the disposition of his resources.