§ 22. Mr. EDEasked the Home Secretary how many police forces in England and Wales applied for an increase in the num- 2124 ber of their recognised establishment during 1930; what was the total by which they asked that their establishments might be increased; how many such applications were granted in whole or in part; and by how many men were the forces increased in cases where an additional establishment was sanctioned?
§ Mr. CLYNESAs the answer is long and contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ Applications for the augmentation of 21 county and borough forces were made in 1930, the total augmentation asked for being 206 men. In 18 cases the augmentation was approved, and in the remaining three cases was approved in part, the total approved augmentation being 169 men. In a few other forces, additions to the strength have been made by filling vacancies, amounting to 40 or 50 men. In the Metropolitan Police an augmentation of 250 men was approved towards the end of 1929, and minor adjustments of the establishment were made in 1930. The total addition to the strength of the force in 1930 was 109 men; and, as I have stated in reply to other questions, the whole question of the strength and distribution of the force has been under review for some time.