HC Deb 18 December 1941 vol 376 c2061
26. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Home Secretary how many police under 40 years of age are serving in the police forces of every kind in the United Kingdom?

Mr. H. Morrison

It would be contrary to the national interest to give figures which would assist the enemy to piece together information about the disposal of our man-power.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Could not the more elderly police be used to arrest us in war-time?

Mr. Morrison

We have already given up a considerable number of the younger members of the police force. In view of the war, the possibility of air raids and other difficulties which arise in war-time it must be remembered that if the British police force became a force of elderly men it would be very bad for the country.

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