HC Deb 10 April 1962 vol 657 cc120-1W
Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis regarding the recruitment of immigrants from India, Pakistan and the West Indies.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that, subject to the basic qualifications as to character, age, height, health and education which are laid down in the Police Regulations, all applications for appointment by British subjects are considered on their merits.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the minimum educational requirements for admission to the Metropolitan Police Force.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The Police Regulations require that a candidate for appointment as a constable must satisfy the chief officer of police that he is sufficiently educated by passing a written or oral examination in reading, writing and simple arithmetic, or an examination of a higher standard, as may be prescribed by the chief officer of police. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that candidates for appointment as constable in the Metropolitan Police are required to have a sound general education of a minimum standard equal to that attained by the average pupil leaving school at the age of 15, and must pass an entrance examination consisting of papers in English composition, arithmetic and general knowledge.