§ 24. Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give any figures showing the increase of the police force in England and Wales on some such date as 1st April, 1912, compared with a similar date in the preceding year; and whether this increase in the force has been due to the fear of labour troubles?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The numbers of police in England and 281 Wales are published annually in one of the Appendices to the Reports of His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary; and I do not think any useful purpose would be served by calling for the special Return suggested by my hon. Friend. It would not be possible to distinguish the increase of numbers due to fear of disturbances in connection with labour disputes from the much greater increase due to growth of population and to the arrangements now being made for the grant of the weekly rest-day.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very largely increased cost has been put on the county councils owing to the increase in the police force?
§ Mr. McKENNAYes, but I believe that the reasons which I have given are the cause of that increase.
§ Sir J. D. REESWas the increase due to the provision of an expeditionary force to Wild Wales or other parts of the country?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir.