asked the Home Secretary whether he has given any instructions to police authorities as to the measures to be adopted in reducing the strength of the forces; and, if so, whether in any future instructions which might be issued, he would request police authorities to effect such reductions by retiring officers who have completed 30 years' service rather than by discharging ex-service men engaged since 1918?

In connection with the measures for securing economy in police expenditure, I have suggested to police authorities that a reduction in strength should be secured by leaving vacancies unfilled. I have no information which would suggest the need for a general instruction in the terms suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.