§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What is the reason for the recent substitution of double patrols of police for single patrols in the streets of the Metropolis; to what extent the system of double patrols now prevails (1) by day, and (2) by night; and, who is responsible for the change?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that no system of double patrol prevails in the Metropolis by day or by night. There are occasions when men patrol in couples on beats that are considered dangerous; and young constables patrol in company with old constables for a short time after joining. There has been no change made recently in the system, except that double patrols in some portions of the exterior have been abolished.