§ 24. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, notwithstanding his statement regarding the duties of the 1983 permanent staff of police at the House of Commons, changes have actually taken place, and that extra constables unfamiliar with the House are being drafted in to participate in the work of the police; if he will state what is the cause of the step; whether any complaints, and, if so, what, have been received on the working of the system hitherto in practice; and whether any further developments are contemplated?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)As previously stated, there has been no change in the duties of the permanent police staff of the House of Commons. In order, however, to enable the whole to get much needed rest, it has been found necessary to add two men to the permanent staff. The additional constables have been on the temporary staff for five years, and they are, therefore, not unfamiliar with the House. The Commissioner of Police is responsible not only for the protection of this House, but also for the discipline and the safeguarding of the interests of the police employed here, and I am sure that these matters may safely be left in his hands.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a proposed alteration of the policemen's holiday of one day in seven, and will he make inquiry, because I understand that the men prefer to remain as they are?
§ Sir JOHN SIMONPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on that point.