HC Deb 18 December 1980 vol 996 c257W
23. Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the change in the ratio of members of the Metropolitan Police Force to the population of the Metropolitan area between 1970 and 1980.

Mr. Whitelaw

An increase in police strength, combined with the decline in population over the period, has changed the ratio from 1:385 to 1:328.

31. Mr. Norman Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up a study group to examine ways by which responsibility for the Metropolitan Police might be transferred from his Department to the London borough councils.

Mr. Brittan

No.