To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the increases or otherwise in real terms of the pay of police constables, at various levels of seniority, for the periods (a) 1974 to 1979, (b) 1979 to 1984 and (c) 1984 to 1989; and if he will list other significant changes in the terms and conditions of service of police officers and the dates at which they became effective.

Increases in real terms in the basic pay of police constables for the periods in question are set out in the table. Since 1974 other significant changes in the terms and conditions of service of police officers have included changes in pension arrangements in 1975 (counting of war service) and 1982 (increase in contributions) and increases in annual leave (1979; 1983 and 1987). Allowances payable in addition to basic pay have been uprated on a regular basis.