HC Deb 04 November 1948 vol 457 cc1009-10
21. Mr. Symonds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the establishment of a special section of the police force for traffic control duties only, and the enlistment into it of men somewhat below the physical standards required for the full range of normal police duties, thereby making more policemen available for the prevention of crime.

Mr. Ede

I do not agree that a lower standard of physical fitness or mental alertness than that required for normal police duty would satisfy the requirements of traffic control work. Police on traffic duty must always be available to deal with crime or other incidents requiring police attention and the general efficiency of the force would not, in my view, be improved by the introduction of a separate section with limited responsibilities.

Mr. Symonds

Is it really an economical use of manpower to use men who are 100 per cent. fit simply to see that pedestrian crossings are respected?

Mr. Ede

There are occasions in such circumstances when it is particularly desirable that the police officer should he agile.