§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the regulation of the expenditure of the Metropolitan Police rests with himself alone now that the Imperial contribution is permanent and not annually voted; and if all increase of expenditure sanctioned by him is put on the rates of the Metropolis without any sanction cither of the House of Commons, representing the ratepayers, or the representatives of the ratepayer?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY or STATE FOR, THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. STUART WORTLEY,) Sheffield, HallamIt is difficult to answer, otherwise than in debate, this somewhat argumentative question. Technically, the sum formerly payable as an Imperial contribution no longer appears on the Votes; but an effectual opportunity for Parliamentary criticism is afforded by the fact that the Vote "Police, England, and Wales" still bears the salaries of the Commissioner and Receiver, as well as such other portions of Metropolitan Police expenditure as are repayable from Imperial funds. The control of the ratepayers and the powers of the Secretary of State are neither greater nor less than they were when the Imperial contribution did appear as such upon the Vote. As the law now stands the Secretary of State cannot increase the charge on the ratepayers beyond the statutory maximum of 9d. in the £ of the rateable value of the district. The accounts of Metropolitan Police receipts and expenditure are, by Act of Parliament, fully published to this House every year.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELLWhat is the present expenditure? How many pennies in the £?
§ MR. STUART WORTLEYNot very far from 9d.