HC Deb 26 June 1890 vol 346 cc55-6
MR. DIXON-HARTLAND (Middlesex, Uxbridge)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he could state the number of Metropolitan Police usually employed in the County of Middlesex outside the County of London?

MR. MATTHEWS

I am informed by the Commissioner that the number of men so employed is 1,324.

MR. PICKERSGILL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what orders or instructions have been given by the new Commissioner of Police as regards the prohibition of meetings of constables to discuss the questions of their pay or pensions?

MR. MATTHEWS

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that no new general orders have been given as regards the prohibition of meetings of constables to discuss questions of pay and pension. The superintendents have been instructed to remind their men of the Standing Orders, prescribing the manner in which representations on these subjects should be made. An order was issued last night, in which, in reply to several Petitions, the Commissioner declined to allow a meeting of Representatives of divisions to be held in Bow Street, as being contrary to the best interests of the men, and the efficiency of the force. At the same time he declared his willing- ness to receive any representations from members of the force through the authorised channels, and to give them his best attention.

*MR. PICKERSGILL

Is it not a fact that the Superintendents were permitted to meet for the objects indicated in the question, and is not the same privilege to be accorded to the rank and file?

MR. MATTHEWS

I should like to have notice of the question if the hon. Member wants a full answer, but my recollection is that the Superintendents were directed to ascertain the wishes of the men in their respective divisions, that course not being deemed contrary to the Standing Orders.

MR. JAMES ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)

Why are the men thus to be suddenly deprived of the power of discussing their grievances?

MR. MATTHEWS

No new Regulation has been issued; their attention has only been called to existing Rules.

MR. J. ROWLANDS

Is it a fact that another meeting which has been called has been prohibited?

MR. MATTHEWS

I must ask for notice of that question.