Winchester MP, Mark Oaten, has quizzed the Government over a lack of funding for Hampshire Constabulary.

He is especially worried about officers leaving to work in London owing to better pay and travel expenses.

"There are already incentives for local people to work in London. That can only worsen already difficult problems with recruitment and retention. This cannot go on," he said.

Simon Hayes, who chairs Hampshire Police Authority, agrees higher wages in the capital pose a problem, but insists the county is meeting targets. "There's no shortfall. We're recruiting 40 to 48 officers a month.

"We have to keep up the campaign to make sure officers stay, rather than losing them because of better pay and travel allowances in London.

"We're not so badly affected, but counties which are closer, such as Surrey, Sussex, or Bedfordshire, have a large problem."

Mr Oaten asked parliamentary under-secretary, Christopher Leslie, if he recognised the incentive for Hampshire officers to join the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Leslie cited a new system of allocating grants, which would be "robust", "fairer" and "simpler". Police funding would also increase by £1.5bn over the next three years.

Mr Oaten is still not satisfied, however. "The Metropolitan Police is coming into Hampshire and offering more money. It has to put a lot of pressure on the Hampshire force."