§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the number of terrorist incidents in the last year, he is satisfied that the strength of the Metropolitan Police special branch is sufficient to enable it to counter the threat from terrorism.
§ Mr. WhitelawI am fully aware of the invaluable role the branch plays in the fight against terrorism and have recently approved a request from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis for an increase in its establishment from 426 to 451, primarily in order to improve checks on the movement of passengers at Heathrow airport.