HC Deb 08 February 1911 vol 21 cc278-80
Mr. HARRY LAWSON

asked whether the whole force of the Metropolitan Police sent into the disturbed districts of Wales has now been withdrawn; if so, how long they were absent from the Metropolitan police area, what extra payment has been made, and whether the charges involved have been recovered from the Welsh counties affected; how many constables have been disabled by wounds, sickness, or accident, and what special pensions have been awarded; and whether any special grant will be asked for from the Imperial Exchequer to defray the expenses of transport or for other purposes?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The 850 Metropolitan police sent into the disturbed districts of South Wales on November 8th, 9th, and 12th last have been gradually returned by the Chief Constable of Glamorganshire, as he felt able from time to time to dispense with their services. There are still 143 in the Rhondda Valley and at Gilfach Goch, but these are to be withdrawn by the end of this week. All the Metropolitan police who have been employed in South Wales will receive, over and above the rate of remuneration sanctioned for Metropolitan police serving outside the Metropolitan police district, extra allowances, graded according to their ranks. These extra allowances will be defrayed from the Exchequer; the other charges involved are repayable by the county of Glamorgan. Nineteen constables were compelled to go on the sick list from the effects of wounds received, and twenty-seven owing to accidents or sickness—a considerable number received injuries less serious in character. No man has been returned unfit for further service, so that the question of pensions has not arisen.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

What special allowance will be made to those constables who were wounded or returned sick?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot say without notice.

Mr. REMNANT

Will those members of the Metropolitan Police Force who have been called upon to do special duty in the Metropolis during the absence of these men be given any extra pay?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, sir. As I stated in the last Parliament, the difference in the percentage of sickness in the Metropolitan Police Force of 21,000 men at different periods of the year is so great that in this instance no undue strain has been put upon those who remained in London by the removal of this particular body of men who were sent away at that particular season of the year.

Mr. REMNANT

Is it not a fact that the members of the force in London have been called upon to do a considerable amount of extra work during the absence of their colleagues; and does he not think, as he says, the absence of these men has not entailed extra work——

Mr. CHURCHILL

I did not say that. I said no "undue strain."

Mr. REMNANT

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the time has arrived to give the Metropolitan police at once the one day's rest in seven which he said he could not give until the necessary recruits were obtained?

Mr. CHURCHILL

We are going steadily forward with the recruiting of the men necessary for the purpose of granting one day's rest in seven, and I have every hope that this will be achieved within the period originally promised to Parliament. I must remind the House that we have to consider this question also from the point of view of economy, as the cost falls upon the ratepayers, who are not consulted in the matter, and therefore I can only proceed on the lines which have been already promised.

Mr. REMNANT

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the experience of the last two or three months does not confirm our contention from beginning to end that one day's rest in seven could be arranged at once with the present staff?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for argument.