§ 23. Sir EDWARD COATESasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction existing amongst Special Constables on the question of the supply of coats, boots, and leggings, etc., which are only being issued to men who plead necessitous circumstances; and whether, in view of the voluntary and useful work this body of men is doing at considerable self-sacrifice and the saving to the police authorities thereby effected, he will consider the advisability of making a grant to provide all the men who require them with the articles referred to?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Commissioner informs me that no issue is being made of coats, boots, and leggings, but Special Constables whose circumstances require it can on application receive an allowance to enable them to purchase these articles. He has no reason to think that there is any general dissatisfaction on the subject.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the allowance is different in different districts of London?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am afraid I cannot. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will kindly give me notice.