§ 39. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further consideration he has given 372 to the proposal to bring into existence a corps of traffic regulators to take over traffic duties from the police, and so facilitate the control and flow of traffic and free the police for their many other duties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have received no proposal from a police authority to establish a force of civilian traffic officers, and I have nothing to add to the statement made by my hon. and learned Friend, the Joint Under-Secretary of State, in the debate on the Adjournment on 16th February.
§ Sir F. MedlicottIs my right hon. Friend aware that both traffic and crime seem to be on the increase, whereas the size of the police force remains constant? Is it not clear that before long, with the further increase of traffic, there will be a serious risk of the police being unable in perform either part of their duties adequately, or even to their own satisfaction?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware of this problem, and I should be very interested to hear any proposals by local police forces. I was simply answering my hon. Friend's Question when 1 said that I have so far received no concrete suggestion.