§ 19. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Home Secretary whether he can inform the House in how many provincial towns white overalls are used by the police on point duty; whether they have been 2098 found satisfactory; and whether he will reconsider introducing them into London, if only at some of the most important crossings?
§ 24. Sir FRANK MEYERasked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to recommend the wearing of white coats by the police on point duty in the Metropolitan area to facilitate the regulation of traffic?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will answer these questions together. According to the latest information I have, white overalls have been used in four county and 50 city or borough police forces. Various opinions have been expressed as to their usefulness by the Chief Constables, and a committee of representatives of police forces and road users which reported in April last came to the conclusion that their use was not of any material advantage. I do not think a case has been made out for their adoption in the Metropolis.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHave any of the provincial towns and cities that have made use of these white overalls been granted them?
Mr. HARMANIs there any report from the Chief Constable of Birmingham on the effect of the white overalls there?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWith regard to the first question, I do not know that any have been granted. With regard to Birmingham, I have personally inspected the overalls in that city, and they look very effective. At the same time I think that the white gauntlets used by the Metropolitan Police in the last 12 months are equally effective.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill my right hon. Friend consider using these white overalls as an experiment at some of the crossings where the lighting is poor?
§ Mr. HAYESHas the right hon. Gentleman obtained the opinion of the officers who wear the overalls?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think I have, but it is really a matter for those who are in charge of the administration of the police forces rather than for individual constables.
§ Mr. HAYESThe officer who is compelled to wear these overalls would, at any rate, be able to contribute his opinion of them.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. Gentleman knows that I am not introducing white overalls into the police force which is under my jurisdiction. County and borough police forces are not under my control.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIn view of the susceptibility of hon. Gentlemen opposite, will my right hon. Friend give each policeman a red flag?