§ 9. Mr. HARRISasked the Home Secretary whether, in fixing the quota of police for the Metropolis, the local authorities who make contributions to the cost of the same are in any way consulted both as to the cost and the number of police allocated to their areas?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCareful consideration is given to the requirements of the various localities, but systematic consultation with so large a number of authorities would be quite impracticable.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that these local authorities have had their contributions very much raised in the last few years, particularly during his administration, and does he not think that under the circumstances they should have some knowledge of where the money is going and on what it is being spent?
Viscountess ASTORIf careful consideration be given to local requirements, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they have more women police?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAnyone can find out how the money is spent by looking at the Votes passed in the House, and any question of detail I shall be glad to answer, but I cannot take upon myself the duty of corresponding beforehand with every local authority unless I know there is a question they desire to raise. If there be a question, I shall be glad to answer it and to consult with them. With regard to the second supplementary, so far as the Metropolitan area is concerned I have already increased the number of women police, and I am shortly getting a report.
Viscountess ASTORIs it not true that in 1920 we had 112 women police in the Metropolitan area, and now we have only 42, and even in those days we had not enough?
§ Mr. SHEPHERDWas the right hon. Gentleman consulted before extra police were drafted into Littlehampton last Sunday?