§ 13. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Home Secretary the number of Metropolitan police on traffic duty at noon on 20th June, 1922 and 1928, respectively?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe number at noon on 20th June, 1922, was 542 and on 20th June, 1928, was 915. The former figure includes 16 officers employed in consequence of Ascot Races and 12 in consequence of the International Horse Show, and the latter figure includes 224 officers employed in consequence of Ascot Races.
Major-General Sir ROBERT HUTCHISONWould it not be well to take some action in the direction of forming a special corps to deal with traffic control?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf by a special corps the hon. and gallant Gentleman means, not men who are policemen, but a special body of men representing the motor organisation, that is already being tried in country districts. I should have very grave doubts as to whether men who have no power and who are net sworn in as policemen could possibly undertake the management of traffic in great cities.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the ordinary duties of the police are not suffering, and when does he contemplate increasing the Metropolitan Police Force?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have often said in the House that I am not altogether satisfied with the number of police, but we are getting on as well as we can.
§ Captain BRASSMay I ask whether the police dressed in plain clothes who are working in police traps are included in these numbers?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think not, if they are not police engaged in traffic control.