§ MAJOR EVANS-GORDON (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Metropolitan Police Force is at present considerably under strength; whether the standard height and chest measurement for admission to the force have been reduced; and whether the present rates of pay and terms of service are such as to attract the best men in sufficient numbers.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonThe force is at present below its establishment, chiefly owing to the Reservists being called out for service with the colours. A sufficient 694 number of properly qualified recruits is forthcoming to rather more than meet the normal needs of the force, but not sufficient to replace the absent Reservists or to make good augmentations. The answer to the second paragraph is in the negative. I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to an answer which I gave on Friday to the effect that the subject of the emoluments of the police has been and is under consideration.