15. Mrs. Braddockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet received any interim report from the Oaksey Commitee on Police Pay and Conditions; and whether he can yet make any statement on pay and allowances to police forces.
Mrs. BraddockIs my right hon. Friend aware that the fact that no report and no statement has been made on the question of pay and conditions in the police forces, is causing grave concern and is in very great degree jeopardising recruitment to the police forces of the country?
§ Mr. EdeThis Committee was appointed several months ahead of the date on which it was originally proposed to appoint it. It is receiving evidence from representatives of the police forces and the authorities and I hope that its proceedings will not be unduly delayed.
Mrs. BraddockCan my right hon. Friend give any indication of the earliest date upon which he will be able to make a statement on the matter?
§ Earl WintertonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the very strong case put up by the hon. Lady and myself—acting together for the first and only time—in support of the appointment of this Committee, has been strengthened by recent events; and is he aware that there is more difficulty than ever in obtaining recruits for the police forces owing to disagreements between chief constables and men they command?
§ Mr. EdeThe last part of the supplementary question is a matter which can be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure of the force and full reports can be sent to the Home Secretary when a junior officer feels aggrieved. I would not say that any delay which it may be thought has occurred in the reporting of this Committee has added to the difficulties of recruitment.