§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give details of the full complement of police surgeons and deputy police surgeons in the Metropolitan Police area; whether at all times during the current year to date the establishment has been up to full strength; and how many coloured Asian and African medically qualified persons hold such appointments.
§ Mr. Sharples54 police surgeons and 41 deputy police surgeons. Vacancies occurred this year following reorganisation and some retirements. One coloured Asian and one coloured African hold appointments.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give details of the shortage of police surgeons and deputy police surgeons in the Metropolitan Police area; what action is being taken to overcome these shortages; whether public advertisements were made to encourage applicants, at what costs, and with what results; whether all applicants received an acknowledgement of their applications and an explanation if they were not selected; and whether all positions are now filled.
Mr. SharpiesArrangements to fill vacancies are not yet complete but there may be up to four places for deputy police surgeons. These places will be filled from the 39 applications already received. The vacancies were advertised in May in the medical Press at a cost of £250. All applications were acknowledged but it is not the custom of the Commissioner to give explanations to those who are not selected.