§ 69. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that many of the London police have to show their rent books once a month to their superintendent; and if he will state the reason why the rent books have to be examined?
§ Mr. McKENNARent books are periodically examined by a superior officer so that he may certify that the rent paid entitles the constable to draw rent aid.
§ 70. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the scale of pay for police constables in the Metropolitan force is much below the scale paid in Sheffield, Bristol, Bradford, the City of London, and many West of England and Welsh towns; and, if so, and in view of the cost of living in London as compared with that of the provincial towns, he will recommend that the pay of the London police be increased by at least 10 per cent.?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe scale of pay for Metropolitan police-constables is not so high as in the City, but, taking into consideration the rent-aid allowance, is better 1859 than in Sheffield, Bradford or Bristol. The scale of pay of the Metropolitan Police was recently raised at a great cost to the ratepayers, and they have just obtained the boon of one day's rest in seven, the cost of which is equivalent to another large increase of pay. In these circumstances, I do not think the present is a favourable time for recommending a further increase.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the provincial police, who are under local control, receive better treatment than the men in the Metropolitan force?
§ Mr. McKENNANo. I understand that my hon. Friend has not taken all the circumstances of the case into account in making that statement.
§ Mr. THORNEWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by rent-aid allowance, and what is the amount?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe amount will depend upon the particular circumstances of the case, but I understand that where the rent exceeds 6s. the police-constable gets an allowance in aid of rent.