§ MR. W. M. TORRENSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What effect he proposes to give to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee, appointed during the Session of 1878, to inquire into the pay and organisation of the Metropolitan Police?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, in consequence of the recommendations made by the Departmental Committee appointed during the Session of 1878 to inquire into the pay and organisation of the Metropolitan Police, the condition of certain grades, both as regards pay and promotion, has already been considerably improved. But with respect to the pay of the Force generally, I see nothing in that Report to lead me to believe that any general rise of wages is at all necessary. The question of lodging, especially for married men, requires, and is now 914 receiving, the most serious consideration. Certain other recommendations have been made as to the general organisation of the Force, some of which have been adopted, and others, no doubt, will eventually be introduced. But I see nothing in that Report to lead me to think that, in general, a great change in the organisation of the Force is wanted. I think it much better that changes of this kind should be introduced gradually, as opportunity offers. That is the course I have pursued, and am still pursuing. As the Question has been put, I wish to state, on behalf of the officers and men—both those in uniform and detectives—that they are deserving of the greatest praise for the efficient manner in which they have performed their duties in the Metropolis.