§ 14. Mr. Clive Bossomasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the numbers of police in England and Wales in 1938 and 1964; and what proportions were employed in the road traffic departments.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe number of police officers in England and Wales on 29th September, 1938, was 60,010 and on 30th September, 1964, was 80,070. Comparable figures of the numbers employed in road traffic departments are not available.
§ Mr. BossomI thank the Joint Under-Secretary for that Answer. As the number of vehicles has increased from 3 million to 12 million since 1938, would it not be now right to have an intensive campaign for recruiting police? Would he also consider allowing wardens to be used more for traffic duties, and will he also consider the important question of making small units in all counties, on the same lines as the new London Central Traffic Division, which seems to have got off to such a good start?
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. Gentleman's suggestions will be considered seriously by my right hon. and learned Friend. The number of traffic wardens has grown at the rate of about 250 a year. At the end of 1964 they totalled 1,032 and 723 we are aware of the advantages of using them more to relieve the police of some of their duties.