§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Home Secretary whether the recent revision of police pay and the reported likelihood of further revision has in any way affected the recruiting of the police forces in this country either in respect of numbers or type; and whether, considering the increased duties now being thrown on police forces generally, he can state whether, in the opinion of the police authorities generally, the value of the police as an effective force is likely to be affected by an extension of the policy of economy?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs a measure of economy, recruiting for the police has been almost wholly suspended for a year; but I do not think that the "cuts" 1899W which were made in March, 1922, and are to he continued in the current financial year, will be found to have prejudicially affected the number or quality of the candidates for appointment. As to the attitude of the local police authorities, the measures taken have, I believe, had their entire assent.