HC Deb 11 July 1923 vol 166 cc1354-5
96. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Home Secretary whether the system under which the 20 Metropolitan women police have worked during the current year has proved efficient; and whether he can give the record of work performed by these women from the 1st January to the 1st July, 1923?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, no record is kept of the number of cases in which persons have been warned, admonished or assisted by the women police. The number of charges preferred by them in the period in question is two.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not a fact that the number is totally inadequate, and that until the women are put under a trained officer they cannot do what is expected of them?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I cannot accede to that statement.

Captain W. BENN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what official documents are available to Members, giving a record of the work of this useful force?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I cannot say offhand, but I shall be glad to supply all the information I can.

Mr. DUFFY

Does the right hon. Gentleman think, having regard to the number of women's cases dealt with in the City of London, that 20 women police are sufficient?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

It is not, a question of sufficiency alone; it is also a question of the cost.

97. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Home, Secretary what arrangements are made regarding lodging accommodation for women police who are single women; and whether there is any supervision of these women when they are off duty?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Unmarried police women are treated in the same way as male constables who are not located in Section House, that is to say, they are left to make their own arrangements as to lodging. They are not under supervision when off duty, but, like other members of the force, they are liable to be recalled to duty at any time if occasion should arise.

Viscount CURZON

Cannot something be done to extend the use of women police to Plymouth, as well as in London?

Viscountess ASTOR

Hear, hear!

Mr. J. JONES

Cannot we have a woman Home Secretary?