§ SIR FREDERICK MILNER (Notts., Bassetlaw)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the police at Leeds and Bradford have for some time been supplied with Scaife's silent boots, and that they have been found to answer admirably, being silent, very durable, and breaking the weight of the foot when coming in contact with the flags; and whether he will consider the advisability of supplying the Metropolitan Police with these boots? May I further ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that 11 captures have been made by the police at Leeds and Bradford in the las three months which are attributed entirely to wearing these boots, of which I have here a pair? [Boot produced.]
§ MR. ASQUITHScaife's silent boots are worn by the Leeds police, but the Bradford police are given an allowance and boot themselves. I understand they were tried by the Metropolitan Police Force, but did not find favour with the men, and a Board reported that they could not recommend them.