THE man in charge of Gwent police authority last night insisted they could not agree to an all-Wales police force.

Geraint Price-Thomas, chairman of Gwent police authority, again expressed his concerns about the speed of the planned reconstruction of the police service, which would see the four forces in Wales merged.

Last week Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced his intention to force through an all-Wales force by April 1, 2007, despite strong opposition from all four police authorities. Mr Price-Thomas said: "Gwent Police Authority expresses its concern yet again at the speed of the re-organisation and the flawed process."

But he added: "We have accepted there is a gap in terms of protective services, and policing services have to change to meet the challenges of the 21st century. While we have grave reservations about the proposed restructure, its practicalities and the potential detrimental effect on neighbourhood policing in Gwent, we have to accept that Charles Clarke has the ability to deliver this. What is important now is that we work with the Home Office and other interested parties to ensure we get the best police service for the people of Gwent and Wales."

Mr Clarke is currently consulting the National Assembly, local authorities and police authorities on his proposals, but expects to make the statutory order by the end of July 2006.