§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total strength of the Metropolitan Police Force; what number are kept as a reserve in case of sickness or other emergencies; have constables a right to refuse duty outside the Metropolitan area, and are they in any way consulted as to their willingness to take duty or refuse duty in districts outside London; and, if so, were the officers selected for duty at Hull given the option of refusing to take up that duty before being ordered away?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe total strength at present of the Metropolitan police is 19,898. There is a reserve of about 20 per cent. to enable vacancies due to sickness or absence on leave to be filled. As a rule requisitions for aid have to be complied with at such short notice that it is not possible to invite volunteers for the particular service, but any man objecting to serve outside the district would not ordinarily be compelled to go, though it is a condition of his engagement, to which he is a contracting party, that the constable shall serve and reside wherever he may be appointed. The officers sent to Hull650W were not consulted, but I have every reason to believe they all went on this duty gladly.