§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers are available to his Department to ring-fence funding for the recruitment of police officers; and if he will make a statement. [97739]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeFor 2000–01, grant for this purpose will be paid, following a challenge fund exercise, using the provisions of the Appropriation Act 1999. The bidding guidance to forces will make it clear that, under the challenge fund, grant will be allocated on the basis that it will be used only for recruitment over and above the number forces would otherwise have recruited over the next three years.