HC Deb 20 October 1949 vol 468 cc746-7
34. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the establishment of police in the Metropolitan area; and what is the present strength.

Mr. Ede

The male establishment is 19,747 and the present strength (excluding men seconded or serving overseas) is 15,414. The corresponding numbers for women police are 338 and 249.

Brigadier Medlicott

While those figures appear to show a welcome improvement, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the rate of intake?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir, I am not, but I am glad to say that for the country as a whole August and September of this year were the best months for recruitment to the police force for a very long time.