asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the shortage of police officers in London, he will take steps to increase slightly the civilian staff at the Metropolitan Police recruitment office so that applicants for basic information about a police career do not need to wait three weeks for it.

Requests for basic information are normally answered within two days of receipt. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind and will write to me. I will ask the Commissioner to look into it.