§ Sir SAMUEL SCOTTasked what was the percentage of sick amongst the members of the Metropolitan police force in November, 1909 and 1910; whether in future recruits for the Metropolitan police force are to understand that they are recruited not only for duty in London but for duty, if called upon, in various parts of the country; and, if so, whether proper equipment will be provided in order that the hardships which members of the police force sent to Wales had to undergo will in future be prevented?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe percentage of sickness amongst the Metropolitan police in November, 1909, was 2,62, and in November, 1910, 2,66. The recent call for service in South Wales was responded to in the same admirable spirit in which members of the Metropolitan police are always ready to give their services wherever they may be required, and no occasion has arisen for any alteration in the conditions on which recruits are at present enrolled in the force. Any hardships encountered by the men sent to South Wales were not due to lack of proper equipment, but to temporary difficulties in the way of accommodation, which were inevitable in the circumstances, and were remedied as soon as possible.
§ Sir SAMUEL SCOTTWere any equipments available at all for the police when they are called out suddenly?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThey have not got cooking appliances, but in other ways they were quite sufficiently provided for. The military authorities assisted in the matter of rations and cooking.
§ Mr. REMNANTMay I ask whether in the case of these members going on the sick list he will depart from the usual custom of deducting Is. a week from them while they are ill and away?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have settled the arrangements which are to be made; and, as they have given satisfaction to the men, I should not like to alter them in any way as the result of a supplementary question.