§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the responsibilities of the Metropolitan police special branch: under what guidelines it operates; how it is controlled; and to whom it is accountable.
§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are engaged full or part-time on special branch activities.
§ Mr. HurdThe Metropolitan police special branch at present numbers 379 officers who are all engaged full-time on special branch duties. The strength of special branches in other forces in England and Wales is about 870 altogether. Figures concerning those engaged part-time on these duties are not held centrally.