Member

The noble Lords, Lord Hogan-Howe and Lord Paddick, were rightly concerned about the number of special constables and how we can best increase it. Indeed, the Government recognise that there was a fall in the number of special constables over recent years under the previous Government. However, the evidence suggests that a range of factors could be contributing to the recent fall in applications for special constables—in short, it could be demand side and supply side. It is not clear at this stage whether this amendment would contribute to reversing the fall in numbers or, as I have said, what impact it would have on businesses.