§ Mr. REMNANTasked how many members of the Metropolitan Police Force were now enjoying the advantage of one day's rest in seven, and how many recruits had been enrolled on 1st November towards the total number required to give this one day's rest in seven to all the members of this force?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI have from the first explained that the grant of the additional days of rest must necessarily occupy a considerable time. Owing to the difficulties of recruiting and the fact that all recruits have to undergo six weeks' training, no additional constables available for this purpose have yet been enrolled. But special measures have been taken, and are now in operation, to meet the recruiting difficulty; and I hope that within a year it will be possible to give the first instalment of the one day's rest in seven to the whole force.
§ Mr. REMNANTDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to allow a whole year to elapse before he makes a commencement?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEAs the hon. Gentleman knows, it is a matter of great difficulty to give effect to the principle, but the Commissioner of Police will do all in his power to expedite the matter.
§ Mr. REMNANTI understood from a previous answer that the right hon. Gentleman intended to make a commencement very soon, even though it were in a small way. May I ask when he proposes to make the first move in this direction?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI am afraid it will not be possible to make a start until recruiting has reached a certain point. We must allow a certain time to pass before we give the first instalment.
§ Mr. REMNANTBut will not the right hon. Gentleman commence before the end of the first year?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEIt may not be the end of the year.
§ Mr. REMNANTIn order to dispose of certain rumours, can the right hon. Gentleman say that the delay is due only to the lack of men, and not to any hesitation on the ground of expense?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThat is the cause. The delay is due to the inherent difficulties of organisation.
§ Mr. REMNANTPurely?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEPurely.