§ 54. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the present strength of the Metropolitan Police Force; what strength he at present estimates it should attain; 224W what steps he is taking to bring it up to that strength; and when he estimates that strength will be attained.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe strength of the Metropolitan police on 31st January, 1954, was 15,854 men and 468 women, and the authorised establishment 19,704 men and 524 women. While Iam not in a position to prophesy when the strength of the Force is likely to reach the present establishment, steps which I hope will improve recruitment include a recent increase of pay, with consequential increases in overtime rates and detective duty allowances, and the doubling of the special allowance for constables and sergeants in London. More houses and flats are being provided, 778 having been completed during 1953. Advertising is continuing on a substantial scale. Information about the police service is being made available at schools and military depots, and recruiting inquiries at police stations are followed up.
§ 55. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to make a statement on recent changes in the organisation and constitution of the Metropolitan Police Force; what effect they have had on the present strength; and what effect he estimates they will have on the future strength of that Force.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeIn reply to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my answer on 21st January to Questions by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Stockport, North (Wing Commander Hulbert) and the hon. Member for Thurrock (Mr. Delargy). As regards the remaining parts of the Question, the indirect effect on the strength of the Force of measures which were designed primarily to improve its efficiency cannot readily be assessed, but I hope that one effect of these measures will be to check the resignation of younger men.