§ 71. Viscountess ASTORasked the Home Secretary what cause is to be assigned to the women of the Metropolitan police women patrols for their dismissal; and whether any compensation, and, if so, what amount, is to be paid to them?
§ Mr. SHORTTAs I have already stated, the disbandment of the Metropolitan police women patrols has been decided upon as a measure of economy. Their engagements are terminable at any time by one month's notice, and no question of compensation arises.
§ Viscountess ASTORIs it not a fact that the Metropolitan women police patrols were made pensionable by Act of Parliament in the Police Pensions Act; is the Home Secretary aware that his statement in this House last week that they were not entitled to pensions has been challenged by legal authority; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we all know perfectly well that it is not economy getting rid of these women? I should like an answer to these questions.
Sir J. D. REESAre these ladies entitled to pensions as well as pay, allowances and unbecoming uniforms?
§ Mr. SHORTTAs far as pensions are concerned, I gather I must wait for a decision of the Courts before replying; but undoubtedly it will save a very large sum of money to disband these women.
§ Viscountess ASTORWhat about your promise? What about the House of Commons having passed a law?
§ Mr. BRIANTCan the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that the Irish Constabulary, with less than one year's service, are to receive pensions, and these women, who have got longer service, are not to receive pensions?
Captain BENNWhen these women were engaged, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they understood that their terms were to be comparable to the engagement of ordinary men constables?
§ Mr. SHORTTCertainly not; quite the contrary.
§ Viscountess ASTOROh, oh!