HC Deb 18 February 1943 vol 386 c1926
22. Mr. Ammon

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the man-power situation, he will consider the possibility of further economies in wholetime police establishments?

Mr. H. Morrison

I have recently considered this matter in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, and we have decided that whole-time police strengths should be reduced in order that the police service may make a further contribution to the needs of the Armed Forces and of industry. It would not be in the public interest to give details of the reduction, but the contribution which will be required from any particular force will depend mainly on its war-time responsibilities, and steps will be taken to revise establishments on this basis. In informing police authorities and chief constables of this decision, it being made clear that the Government recognise that some reduction in the services rendered to the country by the police may have to be accepted. The Government are satisfied, however, that this is a risk which is justified at the present stage in the war, and that they can rely on the loyal co-operation of the whole service in securing that the reductions shall result in the least possible diminution of efficiency.

Mr. Ammon

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, in connection with the arrangement he has just announced, there was prior consultations between the different bodies in order to obtain some co-operation?

Mr. Morrison

There has been suitable consultation, which obviously has had to be on a confidential basis.