§ 41. Captain CLIVEasked whether any and, if so, what payments and allowances are to be made to special constables for their time, wear and tear of clothing, and liability to sickness through being out in all weathers guarding the property of the country and of private persons?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe special constables are being enrolled as a volunteer force, consisting of persons who, being unable to undertake military service, are desirous of rendering useful service to their country in the maintenance of public order. In 142 almost every case they have undertaken to serve without pay, but out-of-pocket expenses will in some cases, at any rate, be paid, and this House yesterday passed a Bill which will enable the police authority to grant them allowances in case of injury on duty.
§ Captain CLIVEWill the right hon. Gentleman say how long he expects the special constables to serve without pay, and whether he will not take into consideration the possibility of making them constables who are paid for, so that they may take over gradually the work that is now being performed by—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman should give notice of that question.
§ 43. Mr. TOUCHEasked the Home Secretary whether the power of making Regulations by Order in Council for the application to special constables of any of the provisions of the Police Acts relating to the Grant of allowances or gratuities to constables injured and to the dependants of constables killed in the execution of their duty will permit of the provision of benefits or allowances to all special constables injured on duty, if they desire such allowances, and also to special constables who, although not injured by violence, may suffer the expense of an illness arising from their fulfilment of public service; and, bearing in mind that the expense of injury or illness would form a burden which many men who are willing to enrol and give their services gratuitously could ill afford, will he indicate, as far as possible for their guidance, what is the nature and extent of the provisions which, in case of need, will be available in both classes of cases referred to, whether under the provisions of the Special Constables Act, 1914, or otherwise?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Order in Council will empower police authorities to give allowances in case of the death or injury of special constables in the same way as they are now empowered to give them in the case of ordinary constables. I do not think it would be possible to extend this to cases of illness which might or might not be due to voluntary service as a special constable.