§ Mr. Walter Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the increase in muggings and other forms of violence, he will initiate a recruitment campaign to increase the number of special constables, particularly in the towns and cities.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesChief officers are already encouraged to recruit as many special constables as they can usefully train and deploy, although their use will not necessarily be appropriate in situations involving a risk of violence. Local recruitment campaigns are supported by advertisements in the national Press, a series of which is planned to appear next month.