§ 31. Mr. EDEasked the Home Secretary if he has any general standard for the proportion between the number of constables, sergeants, inspectors, and superintendents, respectively, in a county constabulary force?
§ Mr. CLYNESThere is, no general standard. The distribution of the men varies, and must necessarily vary, according to circumstances, which differ a good deal.
§ Mr. EDEDoes my right hon. Friend bear in mind the principle of the proportion in all respects when applications for an augmentation or reorganisation of a constabulary force is made?
§ Mr. CLYNESThough there is no rigid standard, the principle named is kept in mind.
§ Mr. W. J. BROWNIs it the general tendency to increase or decrease the number of higher paid posts?
§ Mr. CLYNESI should like notice of that question.
§ 32. Mr. EDEasked the Home Secretary by what number the Metropolitan police force has been increased in that part of the administrative county of Surrey within the Metropolitan police area since 1st June, 1929, giving the figures for each rank separately?
§ Mr. CLYNESAs the answer involves a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. EDEHas my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the fact that the number of burglaries seems to increase directly proportionate and not inversely proportionate to the number of police employed?
§ Following is the answer:
§ Since 1st June, 1929, the strength of the Metropolitan Police attached to stations in the county of Surrey has been increased by three inspectors, two sergeants and 58 constables. In addition, one station sergeant, two sergeants and 22 constables have been transferred to a station in Surrey, on the closing of a station in the county of London, but these men did duty, and still do duty, for the most part in the county of London.