§ 23. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Home Secretary whether he can state the total number of the police force in the Metropolitan area; how many of this number are between eighteen and forty years of age; and how many of these are unmarried men?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe total number at present available of all ranks for police duty in the Metropolitan area is 15,856, to which must be added 1,200 pensioners who have been recalled to police duty. It would involve a lengthy inquiry to ascertain the answer to the latter part of the hon. Member's question, but I may say that in ordinary times there are on the average about three married to one unmarried constable. As many unmarried policemen have joined the Navy or Army the proportion of married men must now be even higher.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill the right hon. Gentleman explain what he means by "available"?
§ Sir J. SIMONYes, I mean "serving."