Tony Blair said there were record numbers of police in Cheshire

Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced last month proposals to merge the force with either Greater Manchester or Merseyside Police forces.

Mr Blair, speaking in the House of Commons, told an opponent of the plans, Eddisbury MP Stephen O'Brien, the public's opinions would be considered.

MPs fear the merger would reduce the police's service to the public.

Mr Blair told the Commons: "We must consult fully on it and we will and make sure that we get the right proposals for policing in the honourable gentleman's area [Cheshire] and in others too.

Two options

"But I would point out that of course, he's got record numbers of police in Cheshire."

The proposals, which are part of a national reorganisation programme, are designed to improve efficiency.

Two merger options are being considered by the Home Office.

The first would see Cumbria, Lancashire and Merseyside forces combine and Cheshire and Greater Manchester Police merge.

The second would see Cumbria and Lancashire join to form a new force, Cheshire and Merseyside form another and Greater Manchester remain untouched.