HC Deb 17 November 1977 vol 939 c294W
23. Mr. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have left the Metropolitan Police to join a provincial force since 1st January 1974.

29. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the net increase or decrease in the number of policemen serving in the Metropolitan Police in each of the last five years.

37. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to increase the strength of the Metropolitan Police.

Dr. Summerskill

Over the last three years the force has increased by 1,500 officers. Up to 1975 the force lost more than it gained on transfers to and from the provinces: that is now reversed. The Commissioner and my right hon. Friend both want to see this year's loss in total strength—119—restored, and further growth achieved. We shall continue to do all we can to encourage recruitment.

Following are the statistics: