§ 21. Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received about the funding of police forces in rural areas in 1998–99. [35174]
§ Mr. MichaelFollowing the announcement of the provisional police revenue settlement for 1998–99, we received eight representations about the funding of police work in rural areas. Six argued in favour of additional resources for rural forces and two against.
§ 31. Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the proportion of resources devoted to policing in rural areas. [35184]
§ Mr. MichaelThe allocation of resources to urban and rural areas within any police force area is an operational matter for the Chief Constable to decide in conformity with the policing plan agreed with the police authority.