§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, The number of constables now on duty in and about the precincts of this House, and the cost thereby incurred?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)There are on duty, during the Session, inside and outside the House of Commons, including the crossings at Parliament Street and Bridge Street, three Inspectors, eight sergeants, 172 constables. These men, owing to the nature of their duties, receive an increased rate of pay, amounting in all to £2,674 11s. extra cost. There is, of course, besides that, the ordinary pay of that number of men. The total cost is nearly at the rate of £17,000 a-year while the House is sitting. During the Recess the expenditure is at the rate of £9,406 a-year. Various circumstances have occurred, as the hon. Member knows, which make it necessary to give special protection to the Houses of Parliament.
MR. BEADLAUGHWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what is the increased cost owing to the special circumstances—that is, the additional number of the force owing to these circumstances?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI am not able to inform the hon. Member of that.