§ 5. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to improve recruiting for the Metropolitan Police.
§ Mr. R. CarrThe Metropolitan Police will share in the recent pay increase, and will benefit from the national recruitment campaign. In addition, the Commissioner of Police, with my approval, has doubled the amount to be spent this year on handbooks, films, posters, exhibition displays and other forms of publicity and has launched a new campaign which includes special television and press advertising.
§ Mr. WallI welcome my right hon. Friend's reply, and, in particular, his reference to increases in police pay, but will he agree that the police are still overworked and undermanned, and look into such matters as hours of work, amenities and pensions?
§ Mr. CarrYes, Sir; I shall look at all these things. Only last night, when I was addressing the annual general meeting of the Metropolitan branch boards of the Police Federation, I assured the meeting that I had listened carefully to the points that had been raised and would consider them all.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganWhat is the establishment strength of the Metropolitan Police at the moment, and how many thousands of officers would be needed to bring the force up to that strength?
§ Mr. CarrI ought to be able to tell the hon. Gentleman off the cuff, but I have to confess that my cuff seems to be missing at the moment. I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman in detail by letter.