HC Deb 17 July 1998 vol 316 cc349-50W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to increase the number of police officer recruits. [51042]

Mr. Michael

Ministers have no direct control over police numbers. 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.

Under the Government's spending plans, which were announced on 14 July 1998, Official Report, columns 187–211, up to £1.24 billion in additional funds over 1998–99 levels will be available to police forces in England and Wales over the next three years. This settlement, along with savings from the 2 per cent. year-on-year efficiency improvements which police forces will be asked to achieve, will ensure that more resources are focused on the front-line against crime.