METROPOLITAN POLICE COSTS AND COUNCIL TAX

leave out from 'House' to end and add 'notes that since 1979 spending on the Metropolitan Police has incresed by almost 90 per cent. after allowing for inflation; notes that there are around 4,600 more police officers now in the Metropolitan Police than in 1979; notes that next year, 1997-98, the Metropolitan Police will be able spend an extra ú55 million-an increase of 3.4 per cent. on 1996-97; notes that the next year's settlement will allow the Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police to increase officer strength during 1997 to 27,400; notes that the Metropolitan Police will receive nearly ú3.4 million in 1996-97 rising to ú10 million in 1997-98 to recruit extra police constables; notes that the council taxpayers of Greater London contribute only 8 per cent. towards the cost of policing the capital compared to an average of 12 per cent. throughout England and Wales; notes that the Government will provide a special grant of ú130 million to the Metropolitan Police next year in recognition of the extra burdens associated with the capital city; and notes that the Shadow Chancellor has emphatically stated that he would stand by the Government's published spending plans.'.