HC Deb 28 May 1919 vol 116 cc1225-6
Mr. WALLACE

(by private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a feeling of unrest exists in the Metropolitan Police force, and whether he can make any statement as to any intended action in the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

I am aware that a feeling of unrest does exist in the Metropolitan Police force, partly due to outside influences and partly due to genuine grievances. As far as their genuine grievances are concerned, the Government are taking all necessary steps to meet them. A Committee is at the present moment inquiring into the whole question of the police pay and conditions of service, and already enough is known to enable the Government to say that there will be a substantial increase in the pay which will be retrospective as from the 1st April and a substantial improvement in the conditions. These changes will be carried into effect as soon as the Committee's Report has been received and considered, which is expected to be soon. The Government are also arranging that the Police Provident Association, which has hitherto been upon a most unsatisfactory footing, should be given statutory effect, and established on a sound financial basis, which will safeguard the interests of those members of the force who have contributed in the past. Further, the Government are arranging that the right of the police to their own internal organisation for the protection of their own interests should be put upon a regular basis. It will, of course, be entirely confined to the police and entirely free from all outside control or interference. While the police are not a military force they are not an industrial body, and cannot be organised upon industrial lines.

Mr. WALLACE

Am I to understand that the Police and Prison Officers Union will not be recognised?

Mr. SHORTT

Certainly. That is what my Friend is to understand.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir N. GRIFFITHS

Does "soon" mean in a few days or & few weeks?

Mr. SHORTT

I hope it will be only a matter of weeks. It depends, of course, upon the Committee. I cannot hurry the Committee in their work.

Colonel THORNE

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that the Home Office is going to dictate to the union as to the officers they are to select or elect?

Mr. SHORTT

Do you mean the union?

Colonel THORNE

Are not the policemen's union to be allowed to select their own officers?

Mr. SHORTT

At present there is no policemen's union. There is a representative body which they elect.