§ Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with police recruitment in the Metropolitan area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesFor some months the Metropolitan Police intake of recruits has been at the highest rate the force can absorb. As a result, despite the marked increase in pensionable wastage during 1976, the strength of the force rose during the year by 1,018 to 22,245, compared with a gain of 377 in 1975, and 67 in 1974. I hope this satisfactory growth will continue, as there are still almost 4,400 vacancies to be filled.