13. Colonel THORNEasked the Home Secretary whether he will reduce the fines inflicted upon nine men of Streatham Station, W Division, Metropolitan Police; is he aware that the men were assisting to dig allotments in their spare time, which at the present time is of national importance; is he aware that certain men were picked upon for this technical offence and who were suspected of being interested in the Police Union; and will he call for reports as to the words used by the officer inflicting the punishment respecting Com missioners' orders before work of national importance?
§ Sir G. CAVEI would refer the lion. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for York on the 6th May. I have nothing to add, except that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the men were dealt with because of any suspected connection with the Police Union.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGAre we to understand that the Home Office wish to discourage members of the force from assisting in the production of food in this country?
§ Sir G. CAVEBy no means. Permission is already given to members of the police force to work of their own allotments, but it is obvious that they cannot be allowed to work for hire for other people to an unlimited extent.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the Home Office take steps to give every facility to policemen to obtain their own allotments?
§ Sir G. CAVENo steps are necessary. The Commissioners are very ready to give permission.