§ Mr. WoolasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what allowance for extra police officers he made in the Greater Manchester Police Force financial settlement for 1999–2000. [74826]
§ Mr. BoatengGreater Manchester Police will receive a funding increase of 3.0 per cent. in 1999–2000, which is above the national average. Following the funding settlement announced last month on 3 February 1999,Official Report, columns 618–19, I understand that the Greater Manchester Police Authority have agreed a budget of £382.5 million for 1999–2000, an increase of £11.8 million or 3.2 per cent. over 1998–99. It is for the chief constable to determine the numbers of officers in the force on the basis of the resources available to him.