HC Deb 15 October 2002 vol 390 cc745-6W
Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were in post in(a) Hertsmere and (b) Hertfordshire (i) on I May 1997, (ii) on 1 May 2001 and (iii) according to the most recent figures available. [74454]

Mr. Denham

Police strength information at force level is collected twice a year in March and September. The information requested for Hertfordshire Constabulary is set out in the table. The latest figures are for March 2002. Information for individual divisions/ basic command units is not collected centrally.

under Chapter II. It provides guidance on the procedures that must be followed before access to communications data can take place under those provisions. RIPA provides that the code is admissible in evidence in criminal and civil proceedings. We aim to implement the Chapter II provisions in 2003.

I will be bringing forward proposals in relation to any additional public authorities under Chapter II Part I of RIPA following detailed public consultation.

We are still in consultation with the communications service providers on the production of a voluntary code of practice to cover the retention of communications data by them under the Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001, and have noted the statement by the Data Protection Commissioners with regard to proposals on data retention.