§ MR. CARLILE (Hertfordshire, St. Albans)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the large amount of unemployment now obtaining, he will increase the number of Reservists permitted to be enrolled in the Metropolitan Police force beyond the existing limit of 600 as vacancies occur; and, if so, what additional number he will permit to be so recruited.
§ *MR. HERBERT SAMUELEfforts are being made to keep the Metropolitan Police force up to its full strength, and my right hon. friend thinks it is obvious that the hon. Member's suggestion of substituting Reservists for other unemployed persons as police recruits would not assist in the solution of the question of unemployment. The number of Reservists to be employed has, after careful consideration, been fixed at the limit given, and my right hon. friend regrets he cannot undertake to alter it.