§ 60. Mr. BILLINGasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of the police are not only willing but anxious to join up, and under these circumstances whether he will make a statement making their position clear with regard to pensions and allowances and their reinstatement in the force after the War; and is he aware that dissatisfaction is prevalent throughout the force in this connection?
Mr. SAMUELA very large number of constables have already joined the fighting forces, and I am advised that those who remain are no more than sufficient to carry out the necessary police duties, including the numerous and important duties essential to the carrying on of the War which the police must perform. The privileges of those who have been allowed to join in respect of pensions and allowances are stated in the Police Constables (Naval and Military Service) Acts, and are, I believe, well known. I am aware that many constables would be glad to serve in the Army if they could be spared; but I do not think there is any dissatisfaction with the conditions of service in the Army
§ Mr. BILLINGWould the right hon. Gentleman state whether, in the event of a constable leaving the service or leaving to join up, he loses his pension or allowance; and whether those who did it in the past have lost their pensions and allowances?