§ 5. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what communications have been sent by him 1999 or the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to local authorities in Greater London regarding the housing needs of the Metropolitan Police Force.
§ Mr. EdeThe Commissioner of Police approached local authorities in the London area in September, 1945, when they made it clear that they were not prepared to give any general priority in housing to the police and suggested that the best course would be for superintendents of police to discuss particular problems with the appropriate local authorities. That course has been followed, but the Commissioner has recently again taken up the general question with the London County Council, and has also made a further approach to all Metropolitan boroughs asking for their co-operation.
§ Mr. GammansBut has the right hon. Gentleman taken the trouble to find out under what appalling conditions many of the police are living, and the number that are separated from their families; and does he realise that this is probably the largest single factor why he cannot get men to go into the police force, or when they have gone in to remain in the force?
§ Mr. EdeYes, Sir, I have made myself acquainted with that problem, and the situation is very regrettable. I agree that this is one of the main causes, if not the main cause, for failure to retain some suitable recruits.