HC Deb 16 December 1948 vol 459 cc1357-8
6. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state the number of local authorities who do not permit women police to operate in their districts; and if he will give the numbers of police women now employed throughout the country compared with 1939.

Mr. Ede

There are now only two police forces in England and Wales not having an authorised establishment of police women. In 1939 there were 226 attested and 20 unattested police women, whereas the authorised establishment is now 1,471 and the actual strength 1,023.

Mr. Janner

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this force serves a very useful purpose, and will he try to persuade the other two authorities to do the same as the rest of the country?.

Mr. Ede

I am satisfied with regard to the force and have done my very utmost with the two remaining authorities, but up to the present I have not succeeded.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Will the right hon. Gentleman say which are the two authorities?

Mr. Ede

Yes, Sir. The City of London and the County of Merioneth.