§ CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home. Department, if it is his intention to carry out the pledge given by his 447 predecessor that the constables of the Metropolitan Police Force shall be granted a money allowance in lieu of contract boots upon the termination of the present contract?
§ MR. JESSE COLLINGSIn consequence of the promise which was made by my predecessor during the Debate on the Home Office Vote in August 1894, the Secretary of State gave directions that the wishes of the Force on the matter should be definitely ascertained. A memorandum was accordingly circulated among the Force clearly stating the amount of the allowance which could be made, equivalent to the price of the boots at present supplied, and the conditions under which constables would be permitted to supply themselves. Each officer was asked to state whether he wished to receive the money allowance or to remain under the existing system. The voting papers which were supplied for this purpose have now come in, and when the result is known, the Secretary of State will communicate further with the hon. and gallant Member.