§ Colonel Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent shortages of police exist in country areas at the present time; and if he is satisfied with the rate of recruitment for this service.
§ Mr. EdeThe police forces of this country are in general under strength at the present time, but I regret that no separate figures are available as to shortages of man-power in the country areas of the various forces. For a number of reasons, the recruitment programme to bring forces up to strength is being spread over about two years, and in most forces the intake of recruits so far is enabling this programme to be maintained.