HC Deb 14 July 1977 vol 935 cc773-4
23. Mr. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much the Metropolitan Police is below strength; and what new measures he is putting forward to bring it up to strength.

Dr. Summerskill

On 31st May 1977 the strength was 22,275 and there were 4,453 vacancies. We shall continue our support for the Commission's efforts to maintain a high level of recruitment to the force.

Mr. Townsend

Is the Under-Secretary aware of the great concern in the London borough of Bexley due to the reduction of police strength, which has coincided with a considerable number of robberies in the main centre? When will the Government take firm and vigorous action to improve recruiting and the pay and conditions of London's policemen?

Dr. Summerskill

There is no doubt that police recruitment has improved. We now have more policemen in the force than ever before in its history.

Mr. Spriggs

What is the present strength of the St. Helens police force, and what is the cause of men leaving the police forces in all parts of the country?

Mr. Speaker

Order. We could go round the country finding out the sizes of police forces. The Question, however, relates to the Metropolitan Police.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Will the Under-Secretary check her facts and not mislead the House? In fact, recruitment to the Metropolitan force is now falling, and she knows it. In view of the shortfall in numbers in the Metropolitan force, why cut cadets, civilians and overtime and why not pay the police an adequate sum so that men and women willingly join this great service?

Dr. Summerskiil

I adhere to my original statement that the total number is higher than ever before. The very high rate of intake during the second half of 1976 has not been maintained, but the levels so far this year are in line with 1975 and earlier years.

Mr. Loyden

Will my hon. Friend look at the deployment of the police rather than the overall recruitment problem? Is she aware that in Liverpool arrests have been made of absolutely innocent people and that a 13-year-old boy was sent back to Belfast on his own without any escort? Does she believe that the question of where the police are deployed in that area, particularly—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I must tell the hon. Gentleman the same as I told his hon. Friend the Member for St. Helens (Mr. Spriggs). This Question deals with the Metropolitan Police.