§ 30. Mr. WILESasked the Home Secretary if he will state the proposed new scale of pay for the Metropolitan police; and when it will come into operation?
§ Mr. McKENNAThis matter has involved the consideration of many difficult questions, but I am now in a position to state the new scale which, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, I have granted to the Metropolitan police. The pay of constables, now on a scale rising from 27s. to 37s. 6d. a week, will in future be on a scale commencing at 30s. a week, rising annually by 1s. a week to 38s., with further increases of 1s. a week after fifteen and after twenty years' service, giving a maximum of 40s. a week. An increase in nearly the same proportion will be given to the higher ranks. These increases will bring a proportionate increase of pension. The increase of pay will take effect from the 31st of next month. The increased charge for the new scales of pay is estimated at £156,000 a year, exclusive of the future pension charge. Owing to savings and receipts beyond estimate, it will only be necessary during the present financial year to raise a rate of one farthing beyond what was originally estimated; and in the next financial year the cost will, I hope, be met by the increased Government contribution proposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. REMNANTIn view of the enormous amount of extra work thrown on the constabulary, especially in Loudon, during the past year, cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to make this increased scale of pay start from the commencement of this year?
§ Mr. McKENNADoes the hon. Gentleman suggest that it should be made retrospective?
§ Mr. REMNANTYes, that it should begin as from the commencement of this year.
§ Mr. McKENNAThere are no funds to enable me to do so.
§ Mr. REMNANTYou can get a special Grant.