asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now revoke the wartime amalgamation of the Reigate Borough Police with the Surrey County Police.

The future of the Reigate borough police force cannot be considered in isolation from that of other forces amalgamatedunder the emergency powers. This general question has been receiving the consideration of the Govern- ment; and I hope shortly to be a position to put my proposals before Parliament.

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that the amalgamations made under Defence Orders are based on wartime considerations which have ceased to operate?

The amalgamations made were under special powers granted during the war. The question of what is the suitable size for a police force is one that we shall submit to this House for their consideration in the new Bill.