HC Deb 11 July 1974 vol 876 c540W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the actual strength of the Metropolitan Police in 1934, 1939, 1954 and 1974.

Dr. Summerskill

The figures are:

31st December 1934 19,482
31st December 1939 19,004*
31st December 1954 16,189
31st May 1974 20,694
* Excluding war auxiliaries.