HC Deb 27 July 1979 vol 971 cc536-7W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used to assess the levels of required establishment of the Metropolitan Police; in what ways these criteria differ from those used five, 10 or 15 years ago; and to what extent the criteria used take account of the number of police that now have cars, two-way radio, female staff, civilian staffs, traffic wardens and other persons assisting the police, which lessens the need for the police to carry out such activities as was formerly the case.

Mr. Brittan

The last major review of the establishment of the Metropolitan Police was conducted in 1965. The criteria employed then were the nature, extent and population of the Metropolitan Police district, the incidence of crime, traffic density and the special problems that arise from London's position as capital. A number of studies, relevant to any revision of the force establishment, are now being made, and where appropriate these take into account the factors referred to in the last part of the hon. Member's question.