§ Lord Boothbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of figures recently published which reveal a substantial increase in the number of crimes of violence committed in the London area, they will now accede to the Commissioner's request for an increase of 2,000 police officers in the Metropolitan Police Force.
§ Lord GlenarthurThe strength of the Metropolitan Police has increased by nearly 4,500 since May 1979. As he announced in another place on 21st October, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has put in hand urgent work to assess where there are specific needs for further increases in the force establishment. The results of this work are expected shortly.