§ 34. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the total number of special constables enrolled in the Metropolitan area; and whether, in view of the work done by these volunteers and the 661 assistance and relief given by them to the police force, it is necessary to maintain the police force in the Metropolitan area at its present strength?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)The total figure is 32,617; but more than a fourth of that number are enrolled for the protection of their employers' works, and the others are largely employed on duties which arise out of the War and do not exist in time of peace. The help given by the special constables is invaluable, but the regular police force explained yesterday, been diminished by several thousands owing to enlistment, and to the demands of the War Office and Admiralty, and the Commissioner of Police is satisfied that its further depletion could not with safety be permitted.