§ Mr. Stanbrookasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons adjustments were made to the establishment of the Metropolitan Police after 1965; and what specific factors were taken into account on each adjustment.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe establishment of a force of the size and complexity of the Metropolitan Police is constantly changing. An exposition of all the detailed adjustments which have taken place since 1965 would involve disproportionate cost.
As I indicated in my reply to the Question the hon. Member asked on 6th July, the force establishment has been increased by 978 since 1965. The main adjustments have been confined to divisional complements such as the increase of 208 during 1967 when CID units were increased and crime prevention officers established, and the increase of 573 in 1974 when the force assumed responsibility for the policing of London Airport.