§ 20. Captain Viscount CURZONasked the Home Secretary whether he can explain why it is that white gloves are issued to police officers employed on point duty in London?
Mr. DAVIESWhite gloves were issued, experimentally, in response to the representations of the Noble Lord and others, who, I suppose, considered that their use would render constables more easily discernible by motorists. It is doubtful whether the gloves serve any useful purpose, and if the Noble Lord wishes now to suggest that their use should be discontinued, my right hon. Friend would be happy to consider that suggestion.
§ Viscount CURZONHas the attention of the hon. Gentleman been drawn to the answer of the Home Secretary in the House last week, in which he spoke of the unsuitability of white overalls? Can the hon. Gentleman explain why the overalls are unsuitable and white gloves suitable?
§ 33. Mr. PENNYasked the Home Secretary whether he will state the reasons why, white gloves being permitted in the Metropolitan Police Force, white overalls are forbidden?
Mr. DAVIESI would refer to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea on Thursday last.
§ Viscount CURZONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the answer I quoted did not deal with this point, and can he answer the question on the Paper?
§ Mr. G. SPENCERIs not this white gloves and white overalls question part of the scheme for a "Brighter London"?
§ Mr. PENNYDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that this is a protection both to the public and to the men on point duty?
§ Viscount CURZONrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have heard the Noble Lord put the same question quite half a dozen times. He cannot now discuss it.
§ Viscount CURZONWith great respect I submit that I have never asked this Question. This is a question on the 2224 Paper, and I submit that the hon. Member who put the question is entitled to an answer.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have heard the noble Lord ask questions about white gloves and white overalls several times.