§ Mr. NAYLORasked the Home Secretary the number of constables appointed to the Metropolitan police force in the years 1921, 1922, and 1923, and the proportion of such appointments given to provincial and London men, respectively?
Mr. HENDERSONThe number of constables appointed to the Metropolitan Police in the years 1921, 1922 and 1923 were 895, 130 and 262 respectively, or 1,287 in all. Recruiting was entirely suspended for a considerable part of 1922 and 1923. I am not able to state the proportion of such appointments given to provincial and London men respectively.
§ Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the Report of Sir Leonard Dunning, His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, for 1923 as to the results of the recent reductions in the strength of the police force; whether it is recorded that the increase of crowds and road traffic are making continued additional demands on the police; and whether it is proposed to consider an increase in the police force with a view to meet the criticisms of His Majesty's inspector?
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Mr. HENDERSONI have seen the remarks to which my hon. Friend refers in the first two parts of the question. As regards the last part of the question, the reductions in the strength of the various forces were made as a necessary measure of economy, and experience suggests that in many cases they can be maintained without undue risk, but any representations on the subject from the local police authorities are always considered very carefully, in consultation with His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary.