Oral Answers to Questions

Tony Baldry Excerpts

Monday 7th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

4. What progress she has made in increasing the level of collaboration between police forces.

[Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con)]

15. What progress she has made in increasing the level of collaboration between police forces.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mrs May]

Indeed, and I commend my hon. Friend’s police force for the work it is doing in collaboration. Many forces across the country are collaborating in a number of areas. We are able to ensure that we can get the benefits of collaboration without forcing mergers on police forces, which the Labour party tried to do when it was in government.

[Tony Baldry]

Thames Valley police is collaborating in various ways with no fewer than six other forces, and the work it is doing with the Hampshire constabulary alone is saving £9 million a year. Does my right hon. Friend agree that that demonstrates that it is perfectly possible for police forces to save money without that having any impact on front-line policing?

[Mrs May]

My hon. Friend is absolutely correct that that is possible. Thames Valley and Hampshire police are showing that, as are other forces up and down the country. Indeed, in many cases they will not only be saving money, but may be providing a more effective service.