§ Mr. BRIANTasked the Home Secretary if, as the Metropolitan Police Force-owing to recent recruits and the return of men from military duties, is practically at full strength, instructions will be issued that 20 per cent, instead of 10 per cent, of the members of the force shall be allowed their annual leave at the same time in order that a larger proportion can have their holidays during the more suitable period of the year?
§ Mr. SHORTTThere is some misapprehension on the part of the hon. Member. Owing to vacancies which have not been filled during the War the establishment is about 3,500 under strength. Whilst I am in sympathy with the hon. Member's object, I do not see my way to give effect to the suggestion.