§ 60 and 66. Mrs. Braddockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) to what extent the implementation of the Oaksey Committee Report on Pay and Conditions in the Police Force, has aided recruitment in the force; and if he is satisfied that the rate of recruitment is now meeting the needs of police authorities;
(2) in how many police authorities the number of men is short of the establishment; and what steps are being taken to recruit up to the agreed number.
§ Mr. EdeBetween 1st April, 1949, and 28th February, 1951, the number of 95W men in Police Forces in England and Wales increased from 57,756 to 61,025, representing a net increase of 3,269 since the improvements in police conditions, recommended by the Oaksey Committee in Part I of their Report and accepted by the Government, began to exercise appreciable effect. The number of vacancies on 28th February was 10,194 and 124 forces were at less than full strength. This cannot be regarded as satisfactory but 5,552 of the vacancies were in five forces and in 62 forces the deficiency was less than 10 per cent. While I would like to see a further improvement in the position, I have no reason to think that appointing authorities are neglecting any reasonable steps to discharge their responsibilities.