HC Deb 19 March 1913 vol 50 c1045
74. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the dissimilarity in the intervals at which county standing joint committees have decided to grant to the police within their administrative areas a periodical rest day, and of the fact that some counties have not as yet decided to grant any such benefit to their police, he will, in justice to the police and to avoid jealousies, introduce legislation to secure uniformity in this respect?

Mr. McKENNA

The varying conditions of the police service make it impossible to apply the Act at once and uniformly in all the different forces, and this is recognised and provided for in the Act itself. I have no sufficient evidence at present before me showing that any amendment of the Act of 1910 in the sense suggested is called for.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Can the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to secure a periodical rest day for the police in Wiltshire as is done in the other counties?

Mr. McKENNA

The Act of Parliament contemplates a certain latitude in bringing its provisions into force; but I should have to hear privately from the hon. Member any representations he might have to make regarding any particular county.