§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Home Secretary what was the number of horses in the mounted branch of the Metropolitan Police Force on 31st March, 1914, and what is the number now; what was the number of motor cars, and other motor vehicles, in the Metropolitan Police Force on 31st March, 1914, and what is the number now; and whether any of the duties carried out by horse in 1914 are now performed by motor vehicles?
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§ Sir S. HoareThe number of horses in the mounted branch on the 31st March, 1914, was 344. In addition 32 horses were hired for the purpose of the prison van service. The number of horses in the mounted branch at the present moment is 214 and in addition 30 are "boarded out" and are liable to recall whenever required. The number of motor vehicles in the Metropolitan Police Force on the 31st March, 1914, was 14, which included one tri-car and three motor tricycles. The number of motor vehicles in the Metropolitan Police at the present time is 851.
The following duties or services which involved the use of horses in 1914 are now performed by means of motor vehicles:
- Supervision by senior officers.
- Conveyance of certain despatches.
- Conveyance of prisoners.