§ MR. B. S. STRAUS (Tower Hamlets, Mile End)I beg to ask the Secretary 279 of State for the Home Department whether he would favourably consider the desirability of allowing the Metropolitan Police to wear a straw helmet, or a helmet of some light material, in hot weather instead of the heavy head-covering that is compulsory at present.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThe question of supplying the - Metropolitan Police with a special head covering for use during very hot weather has been' the subject of consideration on many occasions, but it has not been found possible to provide a suitable substitute for the helmet at present in use. I am informed that without the identification plate, etc., a Metropolitan Police helmet weighs 8½ ounces, and that an ordinary top-hat weighs 6½ ounces. The present helmet cannot, therefore, be regarded as unduly heavy, in view of the necessity of its affording protection to the head against blows.