§ 6. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary the figures by which the Metropolitan Police Force has been augmented during the previous two years; and the present establishment and strength of the women police in the Metropolitan area, and the number of same that are attached to the Criminal Investigation Department?
§ Sir J. SIMONThere has been no augmentation in the numbers of the Metropolitan Police during the last two years. The establishment of the women police has been recently increased to 142. The present strength is 68, five of whom are attached to the Criminal Investigation Department.
§ Sir J. SIMONThey have all proper authority.
§ Captain HAROLD BALFOURIn view of the fact that there has been no augmentation in the number of police, are we to understand that the increased traffic duties carried out by the mobile and other police are carried out by the diversion of police from their ordinary constabulary duties?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, I do not think so, but one has to look rather closely into it. The main reason why no augmentation has been made is because of the increased use of such things as traffic lights.