A BOLTON MP has defended the Government's decision not to fund the full policing costs of the Commonwealth Games, arguing that the state did not have an open cheque book.

Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West, said the £3 million Greater Manchester Police had received for the event was a "prudent approach".

She said the Government looked not just at the issue of funding but at the issue of how the money was going to be spent.

Home Secretary David Blunkett ultimately decided to hand GMP a £3 million grant to cover security arrangements at the 10-day event from July 25, despite the force wanting £7.5m.

Steven Murphy, chairman of the Police Authority, feared the safety of the visitors to the Games could be put at risk if the grant was not increased.

He said: "The people of Greater Manchester should send a loud and clear message to the Government that payment of the rest of the cost of security at the Games is not only appropriate but necessary."

Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West, dismissed Mr Murphy's claims and said ministers were exercising caution to ensure taxpayers' money was spent wisely.

She told the BEN: "Up until last November, GMP estimated the cost of security for the Games would be £4.8 million and it is only recently that that figure has increased to £7.5 million.

"The Government has allocated £3m for the Games. As a result of this recently revised figure, Home Office officials have indicated that there will be further discussions with GMP about the cost of the event.

"Surely this is a a prudent approach."

Ms Kelly said GMP received a lot of assistance from the state and it was up to the force how it spent the cash.

"It is not helpful in the fight against Crime to be constantly faced with misleading messages about the amount of resources allocated to Greater Manchester," she said.

"GMP has received a higher increase than most police authorities as well as significant investment of additional funds.

"This year Greater Manchester will receive £7.5 million under the Crime Fighting Fund and for 2002/3 that figure will be around £13 million. This is money earmarked to increase police numbers."

Badminton will take place at Bolton Arena with cycling in Rivington during the Commonwealth Games.