§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current number of police constables in London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanIn October 1994, the most recent date for which figures are available, there were 21,183 police constables on the strength of the Metropolitan police and 679 on the strength of the Metropolitan police and 679 on the strength of the City of London police.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are assigned to work on drugs matters in London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that over 200 police officers are assigned to full-time duties on drugs-related matters; this includes officers designated to specialist drug squads arid other assigned to carry out specific work in individual divisions. Officers performing general duties may of course have to deal with any type of crime, including drug-related offences, in the course of their duties.