Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Monday, 7 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 February 2000. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Monday, 14 February 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers in England and Wales are freemasons. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in England and Wales are freemasons. [109440] Mr. Charles Clarke: There is no requirement for this information to be provided by police officers. Most forces in England and Wales are compiling statistics of freemasonry membership among offices and civilian staff from information provided on a voluntary basis, and the following figures are current available for 26 forces. Of the 38,875 individuals who made returns, 417 indicated that they were freemasons.

Secondary information