HC Deb 08 March 1951 vol 485 c640
9. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applicants for admission to the Metropolitan Police Force were rejected in the latest convenient 12-month period on account of failing in eye-sight tests.

Mr. Ede

During 1950, 388 male candidates for the Metropolitan Police Force were rejected because of defective vision. The standard required is that of normal vision without glasses, including ability to distinguish the principal colours.

Sir Herbert Williams

Red and blue?

Mr. Marlowe

I recognise that a high standard is necessary, but would it not ease the recruiting situation if some men of a lower standard were accepted for sedentary and office work?

Mr. Ede

I am anxious not to have uniformed men engaged on sedentary and administrative duties. I am trying very hard to recruit non-police personnel for that purpose.