§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of special constables who are serving in the City of. London and Metropolitan Police areas, and if any cost for these men is borne on public funds; and, if so, can he state what the cost has been?
Mr. SAMUELThe total present strength of the Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary is 29,200, 8,454 of whom are employed solely in the protection of their employers' premises. Precise details of the cost are not immediately available, but the total thus far sanctioned does not exceed £150,000, and this will be borne by the Police Fund. The number of special constables now serving in the City is 2,365. Particulars of the cost are not at present available, and it would take some time to obtain them.