§ Resolution reported, "That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £1,191, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1917, for the Salaries of the Commissioner and Assistant - Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police, and of the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District, the Contribution towards the Expenses of the Metropolitan Police, Repayments to the Metropolitan Police Fund, the Salaries and Expenses of the Inspectors of Constabulary, and Expenses in connection with Special Constables and the Police Reserve."
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."
§ Mr. KING: This is rather a serious matter that we should have a Supplementary Vote for the Metropolitan Police at all. First of all, crime has very greatly decreased in London and everywhere. Why, therefore, do we want more money spent on police? There is another point. A great number of patriotic citizens, too old to bear arms in the War, have come-forward with the greatest spirit and self-denial to act as special constables, and if you were present outside the House when His Gracious Majesty came to deliver his Speech from the Throne the week before last, you would have observed rows of dignified, stalwart citizens of mature years, but ready to serve their country at home, by acting as special constables. I 1083 must say to me it was a very inspiring sight that we have so many special constables.
§ Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKERThat has nothing to do with this Vote. This is a Supplementary Vote for quite another purpose. The hon. Member cannot raise general questions in this way.
§ Question put, and agreed to.