asked the Home Secretary what was the total number of men employed in the Metropolitan Police Force in 1913, and how many of them were engaged on traffic control work; and if he will give the corresponding figures for the year 1929?

The strength of the Metropolitan Police Force on 31st December, 1913, was 18,916, and of these approximately 440 were engaged on traffic control. The corresponding figures for 31st December, 1929, were 19,512 and 1,400.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the increase in the number of police officers is commensurate with the enormous amount of additional work that they have to do in controlling traffic?

I am, of course, subject to expert advice on that point, and, as the figures indicate, there has been a considerable increase in the number of police employed on traffic control.

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past 10 years there has been an extraordinary increase in the number of police utilised for traffic control?

This increase in the one direction has involved an increase in the other direction.