HC Deb 29 May 1902 vol 108 cc1007-8

"That a sum, not exceeding £29,395, be granted to His Majesty to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1903, for the Salaries of the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police, and of the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District, the Pay and Expenses of Officers of Metropolitan Police employed on special duties, and the Salaries and Expenses of the Inspectors of Constabulary."

Resolution read a second time.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the Resolution."

(11.50.) MR. WEIR

said he was informed that police constables who were on duty travelled on omnibuses without paying their fares. He wished to protest against that system of blackmailing omnibuses.

* MR. SPEAKER

That is a charge against individual policemen of not paying their omnibus fares. That has nothing to do with this Vote.

MR. WEIR

said he wished inspectors to see that their men paid their fares.

MR. COURTENAY WARNER (Staffordshire, Lichfield)

complained of a scarcity of police in the suburban districts, and particularly in the eastern suburbs. In places like Epping Forest they had not sufficient police, and in many other places the number of police did not keep pace with the population. He hoped that the eastern suburbs of London in particular would be policed better in the future. In his opinion a good many of the small offences perpetrated in the eastern suburbs of London might be considerably reduced if those districts were more efficiently policed.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

expressed his surprise that no Member of the Government had offered to reply to the questions which had been raised. He knew from his own knowledge that the metropolis was insufficiently policed. He had frequently passed through street after street without meeting a single policeman. In this country the police were the people's friends, and the police force ought to be considerably augmented and rendered more efficient. This Vote contained the salary of the Commissioner of Police. He had never been able to gather what that official's duties were, and he should like some information upon the point. He did not think it was respectful for the Home Secretary not to reply when charges of this sort were made. Parliament ought to take steps to see that there was greater control exercised over the police. He hoped this House would always be very jealous of the administration of the police force. He believed that this duty was grossly under-policed.

It being midnight, the debate stood adjourned. Debate to be resumed tomorrow.

Adjourned at five minutes after Twelve o'clock.