HC Deb 19 April 1928 vol 216 cc337-8
7. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Home Secretary the number of hours policemen directing traffic in the Metropolitan area are engaged in each duty period; and what break, if any, is allowed them for meals during this period?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Almost all the Metropolitan police engaged in regulating traffic are employed for a duty period of eight hours, including a break of half an hour for refreshment.

Mr. THURTLE

Is not the period too long, in view of the very great strain that this kind of work entails? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make some other arrangement, whereby the men would not be employed for such a long period of time on this work?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have no evidence at ail of any strain or of any complaint from the police themselves.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the policemen have complained to me about the heavy strain which the work involves?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

While I do not wish to depreciate the importance of the hon. Member, I cannot accept complaints from the police through him. If they have any complaints to make, will the hon. Member tell them to communicate with their chief officer or with the Secretary of State?