§ 29. Mr. LAWSONasked the Home Secretary what are the names of the organisations, political or industrial, at whose meetings detectives of the Metropolitan police have been present during the months of January and February, 1920; what is the approximate monthly cost of this Service; and against what Vote it is charged?
§ Mr. SHORTTMeetings of various organisations are attended by Metropolitain police officers in plain clothes. It would be undesirable in the public interest to furnish a list of the meetings that have been so attended. No special cost is incurred beyond the ordinary pay of police officers, which comes out of the Metropolitan Police Fund.
Colonel WEDGWOQDAre the speeches written out in full, and sent to the Home Office, or are they filed immediately?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat depends upon circumstances.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMight I have an answer to the last part of the question—against what Vote is this expense charged?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have already said it comes under the Metropolitan Police Fund, which means the Home Office.
§ Mr. LAWSONAre these men instructed to report the speeches of hon. Members of this House at the same time?
§ Mr. SHORTTThey have no special instructions, except where the police authorities think it necessary to attend certain meetings.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDo they attend Coalition meetings?
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware than an hon. Member of this House was so reported a week or two ago?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have no doubt that was so. That has happened to many more.
§ Mr. NEIL MACLEANWill they be at the meeting of the Coalition on Thursday?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat depends on the police authorities.