§ Mr. Aspinwallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the overall strength of the special constabulary, with separate figures for men and women, in (a) England and Wales and (b) the Metropolitan Police district;
(2) if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Avon and Somerset as to the strength of the special constabulary in that area, and the retirement age imposed;
(3) what is the compulsory retirement age for special constables in the Metropolitan Police district.
§ Mr. MayhewOn 31 December 1981, the latest date for which national figures are available, there were 14,978 special constables in England and Wales; 12,122 were men and 2,856 women. On 31 May 1982, there were 1,631 special constables—1,269 men and 362 women—in the Metropolitan Police district and 531–420 men and 111 women—in Avon and Somerset.
In both forces, the normal retirement age for special constables is 55 with extension of service at the discretion of chief constables for up to five years. This follows recommendations made by a police advisory board working party in 1976.