HC Deb 04 May 1925 vol 183 c558
15. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a Report issued some months ago on the police administration of the Punjab for 1923 to the effect that large numbers of police have been disbanded, whereby crime has increased and the security of life and property has been jeopardised; and whether he will make representations to the Government of India on the matter?

Earl WINTERTON

If the hon. Member will refer to paragraph 32 of the Report which he mentions, he will see that the reduction in the force which had been made earlier in 1923 was restored in November of that year.

Sir W. DAVISON

Do we understand that the 832 police who were disbanded in April, 1923, have since been replaced, because I did not think that was plain from the Report.

Earl WINTERTON

There were extra police who were formed in the bad year 1922. Those extra police were afterwards withdrawn, but in addition there was a reduction made in the ordinary police, and the numbers were restored in the year in question.

Sir W. DAVISON

But not the extra 832. They are still disbanded?

Earl WINTERTON

I cannot carry the actual figures in my head. There were some extra police. They might be regarded in almost the position of special constables in this country. They have been disbanded, and the ordinary police force has been restored to its ordinary duties.