§ 26. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that many of the policemen are only getting one day's rest in fourteen instead of one day in seven; and whether the policemen who are doing the extra day's duty are being paid for same?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The heavy duties imposed on the Metropolitan Police by the War and the depletion of its working strength caused by many of its members joining the naval and military forces have 13 made it impossible to give leave on the normal scale; but the arrears of annual leave have now been nearly worked off; fortnightly leave is being given, and I hope that before long an approximation to one day's rest in seven may again be made. I venture to think that the majority of the force will willingly give up some portion of their leisure as their share of the sacrifice which all classes have to make during this national emergency. The police may rely upon it that with the assistance of the Commissioner I shall watch their interests closely and sympathetically.