To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those police authorities that have been considered for amalgamation (a) during his period of office as Home Secretary and (b) during the past 10 years; and which proposals did not proceed because of the current procedure for amalgamation (i) as the only or primary reason and (ii) as a contributory reason.

[holding answer 19 May 1993]: No police authorities were considered for amalgamation during the term of office of my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke). At the time of the abolition of the metropolitan county councils, consideration was given to possible changes in the relevant police force areas. No changes were made because it was felt unlikely that reorganisation would improve effectiveness. The amalgamation procedure was not a factor in this decision.Complete records for the last 10 years are not available. However, the records that are available indicate that detailed consideration has not been given to the amalgamation of any other force areas during that time.