§ 20. Mr. FLAVINasked the Home Secretary whether he can state the average amount in money or percentage of increase in pay and lodging allowance granted or given to the members of the City and Metropolitan Police since the outbreak of the War owing to the increased cost of food, clothing, and living for the men and their families?
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the average pay of the average constable having twenty years' service is about £2 per week, and that the 3s. war bonus represents an increase of 8 per cent. only, whereas the cost of living and food has increased by 50 per cent. since the War began, and does he expect that these men can live under these conditions?
Mr. SAMUELYes, Sir; the cost of living referred to does not cover the whole of a man's expenditure; it only covers that part which is devoted to food. A great many other costs of living have not increased, for instance, rent; and these men get their clothes from the State.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the allowance made to the average constable does not pay more than half the actual rent he has to pay for himself, his wife and family?
Mr. SAMUELI would point out to my hon. Friend that the sum of 3s. was the sum awarded to Post Office servants by arbitration as the amount which should be given to them.
§ Mr. CROOKSIs there any possibility of the police getting arbitration on their question?
Mr. SAMUELNo request has been made for arbitration, and, if it were made, I do not think that it would be entertained.