HC Deb 08 March 1982 vol 19 cc286-7W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police are having difficulties in recruiting constables.

Mr. Mayhew

No. All forces outside London have reached, or are close to, their authorised establishments and are having no difficulty in finding suitable recruits to fill vacancies when officers retire. The Metropolitan Police are still over 1,000 below establishment but nearly 300 recruits are joining the force each month.