HC Deb 06 February 1973 vol 850 c77W
Mr. O'Halloran

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the present strength of the Metropolitan Police Force, at the latest convenient date, and how these figures compare with the same periods for the past five years.

Mr. Carlisle

On 31st December 1972 the strength of the Metropolitan Police was 21,305. Figures for earlier years are:—

31st December Strength
1967 … … … … 19,996
1968 … … … … 20,458
1969 … … … … 20,682
1970 … … … … 21,057
1971 … … … … 21,354
Over the same period the number of civilians (including traffic wardens) employed rose from 8,470 to 12,330.