Written question asked by Tony Clarke (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 September 2004. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what percentage change there has been in the number of police officers in Northampton in each year since 1997. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Tony Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage change there has been in the number of police officers in Northampton in each year since 1997. [186417] Ms Blears: Information on strength at Basic Command Unit (BCU) level is collected annually and reflects the position at the end of March. Information on BCU strength is only available from 2002. BCU strength for 31 March 2004 will be published shortly. The Northampton Area Basic Command Unit (BCU) includes Collingtree, Great Houghton, Hardingstone, Northampton and Wootton. Between March 2002 and March 2003 police strength for the Northampton BCU decreased by 0.3 per cent. (from 346 to 345). The deployment of officers to BCUs is a matter for the chief constable (Peter Maddison) and within the Northampton BCU deployment of officers is a matter for the divisional commander.

Secondary information