§ 41. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the police force at Bristol is undermanned; and if there has been any improvement in recruiting since the increase in pay which became operative in July, 1949.
§ Mr. EdeI am informed that on 30th April, 1951, the force was 236 men and five women short of its authorised establishment of 814 men and 20 women. Since the July, 1949, pay increase, the net increase in the actual strength of the force was 26.
§ Mr. AwberyIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that there is sufficient incentive in the wages to bring the necessary men and the kind of men we want into the force?
§ Mr. EdeThe application of Oaksey Award has had very differing results in different forces. Some are up to strength; some have come up to strength since the award; and others have not yet come up to strength. While I do not deny that the pay question is one of the things that keeps the police force under establishment in certain areas, it is not the only issue that is involved.