§ 37. Mrs. Braddockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those authorities, in the case of which the Police Force is still below strength, have declined to accept the minimum standard recommended by him; and whether he will urge them to reconsider their decision, in view of the urgency of obtaining more recruits for the police.
§ Mr. EdeI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the minimum height standard for police recruits. I recently asked appointing authorities, in areas where the strength of the force was considerably below establishment, to consider reducing the local standard to the minimum of 5ft. 8 in. prescribed for male recruits in the Police Regulations. I have no information as to the number of authorities that have decided to take no action on this suggestion, but I will consider asking for a return later in the year, in the light of the recruiting position.
§ Mrs. BraddockIf watch committees refuse to consider reducing the height standard, have they to give any reason to the Home Office for refusal to carry out any request made by the Home Office?
§ Mr. EdeI propose to ask for a return to these cases, and where no improvement in recruiting has taken place and the minimum height has not been reduced, I shall have to consider using certain powers that I possess to acquaint the local police authority of my displeasure.