§ Sir REGINALD POLE-CAREWasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that at Somerset House some thirty men are employed whose duties may be described as those of watchmen; that formerly these billets were distributed amongst men who had served in the Navy, Army, fire brigade, and police, the latter getting about one-half of the appointments; and that a few years ago there were employed five ex-sailors, six ex-soldiers, four ex-firemen, and the rest men who had served in the police, whereas lately vacancies have been filled almost entirely from the police, with the result that there are now twenty-eight policemen to one soldier and one Marine; and whether he can see his way to restoring the balance in favour of the services?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe duties of the officers referred to are not merely those 1284 of watchmen, but are those formerly performed by the Metropolitan Police. Since the duties were taken over from that force in 1897, there has always been a large preponderance of ex-policemen among the men employed, and it is found from experience that they are the most suitable class for the purpose. Ex-sailors or soldiers are engaged in other capacities, and in all there are fifty such men in the Inland Revenue Department at Somerset House as compared with thirty-two ex-police constables.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWAre the posts no longer given to ex-policemen?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have said they are peculiarly suitable to those who have formerly been policemen.
§ Mr. BARNESWhat are the wages of these men?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI shall be glad to reply if that question is put down.