§ Mr. HOAREasked how many Metropolitan police have been drafted since October last to South Wales, Hull, Manchester, Salford, and Cardiff; what proportion of the expenses has been demanded from each of the particular local 1814 authorities; how much each has paid; and what amount has fallen upon the local rates, the Imperial Exchequer, and the London rates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNine hundred and two members of the Metropolitan Police were sent to South Wales last November, 500 to Hull in June, 253 to Salford at the beginning of this month, and 320 are now in Cardiff. In the case of South Wales, the extra allowances granted to the men were paid from Imperial funds, a sum of £15,000 being voted by Parliament for this purpose; the other expenses were charged to the County Authority, but have not yet been paid. At Hull, Salford and Cardiff, all expenses will be paid by the local authority. In no case will any extra charge be allowed to fall on the London ratepayer.
§ Mr. HOAREDoes the right hon. Gentleman anticipate being able to recover any money from South Wales?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCertainly, the Bill before the House provides for that.
Mr. MONTAGUE BARLOWIs there any reason why a difference should be made between the cases of Hull and Salford and that of South Wales? Why should not the same consideration be shown to Hull, Salford, and Cardiff as to South Wales?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe three places named agreed to pay the whole expense and I have no doubt that such important municipalities will do so of their own free will.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, they agreed to pay the whole amount.
§ Mr. REMNANTDoes the right hon. Gentleman, as far as possible, use the same men for these special services? When their services are dispensed with in South Wales are they sent on to be used in Hull or Cardiff or are the men chosen indiscriminately?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, all the men take their chance of being sent.
§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHIs the London force so large that there are always men available for this extra service?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. The Metropolitan police is a large force, but all police forces are liable to be called 1815 upon. London, however, is the only place where at very short notice 200 or 250 men can be obtained. On the whole, the calls upon London in this respect are less than on other forces.