§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what cut-back there has been in school crossing patrols in the Greater London area due to the Government financial restrictions;
(2) if he is satisfied that all school crossings in the Greater London area are adequately manned.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn the Metropolitan Police District the provision of school crossing patrols is subject to paragraph 6 of Home Office Circular 191/1976, a copy of which is in the Library, which sets out the implications of the current rate support grant settlement for police expenditure. I understand that the effect of the circular and of the Commissioner's exercise of the discretion given him as regards its implementation is that the maximum strength of 1,340 patrols allowed under the previous rate support grant settlement will be reduced to 1,302 by 31st March next year. Nevertheless, the Commissioner assures me that, within the limited resources at his disposal, he is making every effort to provide supervision at the more dangerous crossings.