asked the Home Secretary the approximate average number of the Metropolitan Police engaged in the prevention and detection of street betting, and the annual cost?

The number of men engaged on this duty varies, but averages about 62 daily. The yearly pay and allowances would amount to about £26,000. I should add, however, that the men in question perform other duties beside the duty mentioned, and the figure I have given must not be regarded as representing a specific charge on the Police Fund in respect of this particular duty.