asked the Home Secretary what action has been taken on the application of the Surrey Standing Joint Committee for an increase in the police establishment for the Surrey constabulary area; and if, in considering the application, he is taking into account the appropriate proportion to be observed between the numbers in the various ranks of the force?

Sir H. SAMUEL:

An interim augmentation has been approved, but no decision has been reached on the main question. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the proportion of constables to other ranks in this force is higher than in any other county constabulary in the country, and will he try to apply the Liberal principle of equality or opportunity?