HC Deb 27 April 1920 vol 128 cc1033-4
77. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Home Secretary whether the women police who are patrolling London streets are members of the Metropolitan Police Force; if so, will he state how many women constables there are and what is the rate of pay and hours of duty; and whether, if they are not members of this force, he will state what control the Chief Commissioner has over them and in what way it is given effect to?

Mr. SHORTT

There is a body of women police attached to the Metropolitan Police Forces and controlled by the Commissioner. This body consists of 1 superintendent, I assistant superintendent, 10 sergeants, and 100 women police. These women are paid 48s. a week; sergeants, 60s. a week; and their hours of duty are 7 hours a day for 6 days a week. There are also other unofficial bodies of so-called women police, who are not connected with the Metropolitan Police Force and not controlled by the Commissioner.

Sir J. D.REES

Who controls these bodies?

Mr. SHORTT

They are associations of ladies. The whole question of their employment is before a Committee.

Sir J. D. REES

Are we to infer that this kind of voluntary police will now be brought to an end?

Mr. SHORTT

I have said it is before a Committee.

Mr. A. SHORT

Have these people the same power as ordinary policemen of arrest?

Mr. SHORTT:

They have no power of arrest at all.

Viscount CURZON

Have any cases occurred in which these policewomen have been subjected to rough treatment or indignities while performing their duties?

Mr. SHORTT

One woman policeman suffered ill-treatment in Epping Forest. That is the only case brought to my notice.

Mr. WATERSON

Are they allowed to join a trade union of their own?

Mr. SHORTT

Certainly not.