HC Deb 29 May 1907 vol 174 cc1640-1
MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)

On behalf of the hon. Member for the Holborn Division of Finsbury, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to increase the Metropolitan police force; and, if so, whether he will, in making the increase, consider the general wish that each man of the force should have one day's complete rest in every seven days.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.

I have no intention of proposing any increase in the Metropolitan police force beyond the ordinary increase rendered necessary by the growth of population.

MR. COURTHOPE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give details of the estimate of £150,000 which he said it would cost to give the police one complete day's rest in seven?

MR. GLADSTONE

I shall be glad to give the hon. Member the information if he desires it.

MR. THOENE (West Ham, S.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities in charge of the police give one day's rest in seven?

MR. GLADSTONE

I think there is only one case, at Reading.