§ SIR BALDWYN LEIGHTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, in view of the great difference of opinion as to the causes of the increase in the cost of police, he would take steps to obtain a report from the different police authorities as to such causes; and, if so, whether he would consider further what steps might be taken to make such information public or accessible?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTSir, I doubt whether there is much room for inquiry in connection with this matter. I have received a Return showing the increase in the cost of the police outside the Metropolis. The increase from 1879 to 1880 was less than £23,000 upon a total cost of £1,850,000; and it appears to me to be proportionate to the increase of the population. I doubt very much whether there is anything in the increase in the cost of the police outside the Metropolis which calls for any special inquiry. If the hon. Member should require it, I shall be very willing to lay Papers upon the Table showing the increase in the cost of the police, and the increase in the numbers of the force.