§ 61. Mr. FLAVINasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Metropolitan constables who are transferred to dockyard divisions for the benefit of the service have to pay the increased railway fares when visiting their homes; and whether arrangements can be made for them to travel at a reduced rate when on leave?
§ Sir G. CAVEAs many of the Metropolitan Police came from homes in the country, constables transferred to Dockyards are not necessarily further from their parents or other relatives than those serving in London. In the case of married men, their wives and families accompany them, and the dockyard town becomes their home. Police officers visiting relatives at a distance surfer like other people from the increased cost of travelling.
§ Mr. FLAVINWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter, as the cost of living has increased by over 80 per cent., these men are paid miserable wages, and railway fares have been greatly increased?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe whole question has been carefully considered.
§ Mr. FLAVINWould the right hon. Gentleman like to be in the position of the average married policeman, whose pay is 37s. 6d. a week? Would he like to live on that?