§ 1. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the shortage of police officers in Birmingham; and, in view of the fact that the burden of duties on the existing force has become heavy and exacting, if a special recruiting effort will receive the consideration of His Majesty's Government.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)I am aware of the shortage of police in Birmingham, and I should be prepared to consider any proposals put forward by the police authority for a special recruiting effort. I feel, however, that any such special effort might more profitably be deferred until after the publication of the Oaksey Committee's report.
§ Sir P. HannonIs the Home Secretary aware that in Birmingham we have one of the finest police forces in Great Britain; and will he do everything he possibly can to strengthen the force so that it may continue to function at the high level of efficiency it has always maintained?
§ Mr. EdeI have no reason to feel other than confidence in the Birmingham Police Force. I have discussed this problem with officers of all ranks in the 1998 force, and I am hopeful that when the Oaksey Committee's report is published we may be able to take steps that will enable the force to be brought up to strength.